Casey loves to walk her three dogs, spend time with family, play piano, and she is a passionate horse rider. This allrounder is also renovating an old Queenslander, working as a registered nurse, and on top of all of that – studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours).
Juggling everything can be a challenge but Casey uses organisation tactics to ensure she not only gets it all done but also looks after her physical and mental health.
“Fortunately, I am a shift worker and my current job is incredibly flexible… I increase my work hours during university breaks so the financial burden isn’t too great when I have to reduce them again while studying,” said Casey.
As a nurse, Casey already had a successful career but she was looking for a change and occupational therapy is something she has been interested in for a while.
“When I noticed that UniSQ was offering an occupational therapy degree for the first time, I thought now is as good a time as any to finally start studying.
“I work with a lot of students who study through UniSQ and I had heard wonderful feedback about the university being incredibly supportive of students and having a nice atmosphere,” said Casey.
What Casey heard from her colleagues turned out to be true, the connections and help she has received throughout her degree have been a true highlight.
“The individualised support has been the best things about my study experience so far.
“You really get to know your student cohort, lecturers, and examiners and they all get to know you,” she said.
Casey has also found the willingness of staff to take on student feedback really encouraging.
“They always listen to what we have to say… it’s nice to feel like your voice means something at university,” she said.
When she graduates, Casey aspires to work as an occupational therapist and help others reach their full potential.
“My dream job would be to help clients who have experienced spinal cord and brain injuries to get back to doing all the things they love. There would be nothing more rewarding than helping someone with a spinal injury get back on a horse, an athlete run again, or a stroke survivor play sport,” she said.
To anyone considering studying occupational therapy at UniSQ Casey has the below advice.
“Do it! If you enjoy helping others, would like a small cohort, intimate learning experience, and would appreciate being educated by incredibly intelligent, knowledgeable, and fun academics, UniSQ is perfect for you.
“UniSQ is an intimate and supportive community that rallies for their students!”
