Faculty / Staff Resources Student Resources
University of Southern California
University of Southern California
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
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Education
Education

Valeria Rios OTD ’25

Valeria Rios OTD ’25

Hometown: Ontario, California
Program: Entry-Level Doctorate (OTD), Class of 2025

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I was a math major my first few years of being at community college. One beautiful summer day I was sitting in a Pre-Cal class dreading for the class to be over. This was the day I decided I was not meant to be a math major. I decided to be a PT but a few years went by and I was still unsure of my career. While sitting at orientation for CSULA the staff informed us of the different career paths Kin majors could take and that’s where it all began.

Describe your background before coming to occupational therapy.
Before coming to Occupational Therapy, I was enlisted in the California Army National Guard as a mechanic for 8 years while attending school.

What area of practice are you interested in?
I am currently interested in pediatrics and Neuro Rehab.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The best piece of advice I was given was, “If you don’t do nothing, ya get nothing” — Mr. Martin 6th grade Stevenson Middle School. The second best advice is, “Everything happens for a reason.”

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
If I could travel anywhere I would travel to Machu Picchu, Peru.