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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Angela Kim MA ’20

Angela Kim MA ’20

Hometown: Cypress, CA
Program: Bachelor’s to Master’s, Class of 2020

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I volunteered for a Saturday School for disabled children in high school and absolutely loved my time teaching and helping students with activities such as writing, dancing, and playing sports. I became interested in pursuing a career that would give me more insight into how I can better assist people by guiding them through everyday tasks. One day, my volunteer coordinator told me that occupational therapy sounded like the perfect career for me, so I started volunteering at a pediatric therapy clinic where I got to see an OT at work. Seeing how playfully the occupational therapist interacted with children of various abilities showed me that OT was not just about providing physical support but about caring for the individual as a whole and forming trusting relationships along the way. It seemed that OT was the perfect blend of health science and social support, and I knew that this was the career for me.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
I enjoy singing, playing tennis, knitting/crocheting, snowboarding.

Tell us about your favorite memory from the program so far.
My favorite memory from the program so far definitely has to the biweekly cadaver lab in Anatomy. It took me a while to get used to the pungent smell of the embalming chemicals, but when I did, I began to really appreciate the bodies and their contribution to my learning. It was such a valuable experience to be able to see real human tissue firsthand after learning about them in lecture. I almost miss the smell of lab now. (Is that weird?)

If we opened your fridge, what would we see?
Lots and lots of avocados (the greatest fruit on the planet), hummus, and baby carrots!

What do you think is the greatest invention of mankind?
History textbooks say it’s the Gutenberg printing press. I say it’s the waffle maker.

If you could choose anyone (living or dead) to be your mentor, who would you pick?
Jesus Christ!