In her last year of high school in Christchurch, following the news her best friend had been diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer, Paige knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life.

“My friend, who was diagnosed as terminally ill, had an Occupational Therapist who helped her with a broad variety of activities. I saw how the OT was increasing Jesse’s independence and confidence – even as her condition worsened.

“I spoke to the OT, who described the variety of roles that the profession involves. I was attracted to that diversity, combined with the ability to make a positive change to people’s lives, whether they were rehabilitating or being made as comfortable as possible during their final days.”

Although Paige took a gap year after her friend passed away, she always knew Occupational Therapy would be her “forever job”, so she worked and saved some money before making the move to Dunedin. 

Fast forward a few years and Paige has successfully completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and moved to Nelson, where she is working full-time for a community-based healthcare provider, mainly delivering vocational services, training for independence services, and social rehabilitation need assessments.

“Every client is different and every client poses a different challenge regarding getting them back to work … everyday can be so different,” says Paige, who recently completed a Post-Graduate course in Vocational Rehabilitation.

“I decided to do post-grad when I got accepted for my first OT job. As an OT there is so much to learn. Actually, you are always learning as everything in healthcare or therapy is changing/adapting.

“For me to be confident within my role as an OT providing vocational rehabilitation, I wanted to continue studying to ensure I was providing quality care and education within my practice.”