What made you choose a career path in Occupational Therapy?

I really enjoyed science; I was in all accelerated science classes starting in 8^th grade and I always knew I wanted to pursue a career that was science driven. My passion to help others emerged when I was involved in multiple honor societies and clubs in high school and began volunteering for
those in need; such as the elderly, homeless, and those with cancer and Autism. I was chosen to participate in an after-school club for children with Autism, where I was first introduced to an occupational therapist. In this club, I worked alongside the occupational therapist, to implement social and
communication strategies for this population. One day, my father helped me research some jobs and we came across Occupational Therapy, where my interests in science and helping others collided.

Why did you choose NYIT?

I actually started at an Occupational Therapy program in Connecticut, but after 3 days of classes, I missed my family (especially my mother’s homemade Italian dinners) and I decided to come home and apply to NYIT. Dr. Greer and NYIT, my father’s alma mater, quickly welcomed me into the combined Occupational Therapy program and made me feel comfortableduring this transition. NYIT is a short commute to my house, and allowed me to have the best of both worlds; my family and education. I definitely chose the right school!

What is your favorite aspect about your NYIT experience?

My favorite aspect about my NYIT experience, is the comfortable and scenic atmosphere that it provides. The campus is surrounded by beautiful gardens and greenery, which motivates me to take breaks between my studying and unwind in nature. The professors at NYIT are very approachable and the small classes allow me to form strong connections with my professors and peers and learn the most I can from them. This empowers me to become a well-educated and competent health care practitioner. The professors here at NYIT go above and beyond; they come in during their free time to give us extra help and mock practical exams and they even promptly answer all of my million email questions!

Where do you envision yourself in five years?

For my personal life, I envision myself saving up for a house and marrying my boyfriend who was my classmate and will be my futurecolleague. For my professional life, I envision myself working in multiple Occupational Therapy settings, in order to accumulate a breath of knowledge and experience.I plan on working in school-based Occupational Therapy, skilled nursing facilities (SNF), and neurological rehabilitation. I also plan on becoming an assistant professor for an Occupational Therapy program at the college-level. In order to advance in my career as a leader and researcher, I also plan on pursuing
a PhD degree in Occupational Therapy, where I will conduct and present my research at a global level.

What are your other interests outside of your academics?

I enjoy working out at the gym, eating sushi, hiking, and going to the beach. I love traveling to new countries and experiencing other cultures. I also enjoy spending as much time as possible with my family, especially my grandparents. Recently, I have acquired an interest in learning how to cook
traditional Italian dishes with my mother.

If you could have dinner with anyone (dead, alive, fictional) who would it be and why?

I would have dinner with my late grandfather, who passed away 2 years ago from lung cancer. It was very difficult for my grandfather to feel a sense of meaningfulness, especially during the end of his life, as he was a strict Marine veteran and often experienced PTSD. If I saw him one last
time for dinner, I would use my knowledge and experience of Occupational Therapy with PTSD, palliative, and end-of-life care, to help him find meaning and satisfaction in his life one last time.