Occupational Identity

Things I do and have done that contribute to who I have become.

Nancy Smith.

DancingI learnt to dance when I was young and continued through my twenties, later teaching 4 and 5 year olds creative movement. I believe this has fuelled my interest in exercise for health and for finding answers to physical problems.

My first-born girls, and now a grandma

I am now a grandmother of four beautiful children, as these two have children of their own.

Wedding day Embarking on a new journey with Mike. I was 30 and this was a second marriage. I value the role of wife even more now. I already had two lovely girls and was about to have five more children.

Change Five more children is fulfilling, and they were naturally the hub of my life for so many years, and still are of great value. Responsibility and fun would be my description of this occupation.I am seeking a new challenge in my life and learning to become an occupational therapist. As with everything else I have done, I am working steadily towards, and focusing on that goal.

RenovatingOver 25 years, 5 of the 10 houses we bought were in a sad state, and too small for our needs. We were occupied with the major work of transforming them to a home.

Moving house and travelling.17 house moves in 18 years. Or 18 in 25 years since we married. We went to Queensland, Australia with a six week old baby and no idea where we would live. We never holidayed, we just moved house. We moved states 5 times, before returning home to New Zealand. I am adaptable.

Working in the Northern TerritoryBeing house parents with 17 children was exhausting, but a learning experience. Reflecting later, I realised that I really wanted to teach them to read and write, which was another person’s role at the time.

Home-educatingHome education included book work, building, a rural lifestyle, pets, and music appreciation. I have seen the children mature and become independent with two already graduated from university.

Knowing GodI became a Christian in 1990. My relationship with God is central to my identity. I have become closer to God through the years, and through experiencing trials that no human can control. There is a sense of belonging with a church family.

RunningThe need to move this body was reawakened when, at the age of 48, I realised that I was becoming sedentary. I joined a walking group a few years later, and have recently started to run again at the Botanical Gardens “Park Run”. A physical occupation is necessary for my physical and mental health, and being on a mountain or at the beach walking, with friends or family, is a great leisure activity.