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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People
People

Pengchen Zhao MA ’19

Pengchen Zhao MA ’19

Hometown: Shenzhen, China
Program: Bachelor’s to Master’s, Class of 2019

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I’ve always been interested in mental health, even though it is still stigmatized and not addressed enough in my home country, China. In fact, I was accepted to USC as a psychology major. I wanted to make a change, especially after witnessing what the stress of losing a child did to my uncle. Later, I found OT in creativity workshop class, and was absolutely captivated. There couldn’t have been a better path for me, someone who longs for making a change in people’s lives and yearns for creativity and adventures.

What area of practice are you interested in?
Mental health.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
Drawing, reading, sleeping, trying new food.

If we opened your fridge, what would we see?
Vegan cheese (I just hate anything milky), copious amount of fruits, leftover meals.

How do you want to be remembered?
“She made a great change in my life.”