Rebecca Isip OTD ’26

What brought you to Occupational Therapy?
My interest in occupational therapy was shaped by witnessing my aunt’s recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome. Seeing how her occupational therapist supported not only her physical recovery but also her emotional well-being highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to care. That experience showed me how meaningful it is to help individuals regain independence and re-engage in their daily lives, which ultimately led me to pursue OT.

Tell us about your favorite memory at USC/in the program so far.
One of my favorite memories from the program has been practicing transfers with my friends during adult rehab lab. Even though we were learning important clinical skills, those moments were filled with laughter, trial and error, and a lot of teamwork. It made the learning feel less intimidating because we were all figuring it out together; adjusting hand placement, cueing each other, and problem-solving in real time. At the same time, it helped me appreciate the level of trust, safety, and clinical reasoning required when working with future clients. Those experiences really stuck with me because they combined skill-building with connection, and reminded me that learning in OT is both hands-on and deeply collaborative.

What are some favorite occupations you personally engage in?
Some of my favorite personal occupations include spending time with friends, going on food adventures, and making matcha lattes. These activities help me maintain balance, stay connected with others, and recharge, which I value both personally and as a future occupational therapist who understands the importance of meaningful engagement in daily life.

In a biopic movie about your life, what actor/actress would play you?
I’d say Lana Condor! She has a warm, relatable energy and a balance of humor and sincerity that I’d like to think reflects parts of my personality.

What are the food and beverage items you most recently consumed?
The most recent things I had were shabu-shabu and a matcha latte. The shabu-shabu was really comforting and filling, especially with the warm broth and fresh ingredients, and the matcha latte was a nice, calming way to end the meal.

⋯