Sumudu Rathnayake MA ’22

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I came into the world of OT after seeing broader issues that children with autism face while I was working as an ABA therapist. I saw a lack of meaningful occupations available to them in their communities. I found out that many adults didn’t know how to include these children and I want to do something to change that!

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
I love to paint. Especially during shelter in place, I spend sun up until sun down just painting away! I have an Etsy shop now thanks to all that time spent on many pieces of art.

How do you plan to use Occupational Therapy in the future?
I hope to open a music school where I can hire and train interested music instructors in how to best provide lessons to children with limitations or developmental disabilities. I want any child to have the opportunity to see if music and learning an instrument is an activity they would like to engage in and pursue. This is something I see is currently very limited in many communities!

If you could be immortal, what age would you choose to stop aging at and why?
I would stop at 35. I’m planning by then to be debt free, a seasoned OT, and living my best life! I can’t imagine a better place to be at and stay in forever.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Recently actually from an exceptional guest speaker in OT 406. I don’t have his exact words but the gist of it is, “Put one foot in front of the other . . . keep moving . . . keep your humor . . . keep breathing.” It’s something so simple yet very empowering! It keeps me going during some tough nights of studying and reminds me to stay resilient.

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