Component One: Occupational Identity and

Satisfaction

Part Two: Practical task

“Occupations that make up my occupational identity”

By Grace Linton

Being a Christian

is the most significant part of my occupational

identity. It influences many of

the activities I pursue as well as some of the social groups I am part

of. My faith is what motivates me and

gives me hope, and is therefore central to who I

am.

Belonging in a Family

is a huge part of my identity. I have a large extended

family, and family history and

connections are very important to me. My grandparents are the

most precious people in my life. I love spending time with them, learning from their wisdom, and hearing their stories. My three

brothers are my best friends, and my

parents are pretty okay too.

Being a Studentis currently what takes up most of my time. It is the

priority in my schedule and influences a

number of the activities I engage in. These activities

include reading, researching, and

writing assignments…

Travelling

is one of my favourite

occupations. I thrive on being away from home, taking in new sights, and learning

about different cultures. I’ve lived

most of my life outside of New Zealand and

ultimately my dream is to work as

an occupational therapist overseas.

Being a ‘Missionary Kid’

is a past identity that I still relate to. My memories and

experiences of growing up in

Papua New Guinea have shaped the

person I am developing into. I will always feel a

sense of belonging to PNG and its

culture.

Being a FriendI have a lot of friends from a

variety of backgrounds, ages,

and ethnicities. When I’m with my friends we engage

in a range of different activities, including drinking

tea, climbing mountains, going

for long walks, bhangra dancing, camping, cooking,

and shopping.

Baking & cooking

I love baking and cooking

homemade goodies for other people, as well as

experimenting with funky spices

and exploring random cafés. I

find making, sharing, and

eating food with friends very

much an enjoyable social

occupation.

Being a ‘Tea

Sommelier’

Most people know that I am obsessed with the Camellia sinensis tea plant and its surrounding horticulture,

history, customs, culture,

chemistry, and infusion

methods. When drinking tea I am in my happy place, where I can ‘Be’ and Zen

out. Tea drinking is also an occupation I engage in for

social reasons.

‘Bush bashing’

is something I love to do with

my three brothers in our spare time. This activity includes

hunting, off-roading, and exploring the

bush. It is a fun way to spend time with my brothers while

getting an adrenalin rush,

ruining vehicles, and (not very

often) bringing home some

meat.

Becoming an

OCCUPATIONAL

THERAPIST

is something I am currently

working towards. I want to work overseas in a developing

country, enabling people and advocating

for disability rights. This is my

dream for a future identity.

References:All photos included are my own