Sarina Tetley MA ’19
Hometown: Dove Canyon, CA
Program: Entry-Level Master’s, Class of 2019
What brought you to occupational therapy?
My journey to the destination of Occupational Therapy began in High School. I was an avid soccer player and golfer, which led to chronic knee injuries and eventually, physical therapy. I was inspired by what my PTs were doing to help athletes get back to their sports, and not just performing after injury, but excelling. After my own rehabilitation, I approached ProSport Physical Therapy and became a PT Student Intern. I discovered a passion for helping others on their rehab journey and was excited to learn more about the human body’s functional performance. During this time, I was also enrolled in a psychology class at my high school. It was a perfect union of discovering the innerworkings of both mind and body. I was inspired by the bio-mechanical progress I was seeing as a PT Student Intern and the progress I was learning about in my psychology course, specifically about how therapy could transform the lives of those with mental health diagnoses.
This experience led to my personal discovery of occupational therapy. I discovered OT online by searching for jobs that were similar to physical therapy and psychology. Through more research, with the support of my parents, I was able to learn more about the profession of occupational therapy and its foundation in Veteran’s Rehabilitation. The Veteran population is a population that is near to my heart because my Grandpa was a US Navy and Coast Guard Veteran. I have multiple aunts and uncles who have served in the U.S. Navy, Army, and Air Force, and my godfather is a Reconnaissance Marine Veteran. After learning more about OT, I felt “called” to the profession and discovered my life’s purpose.
What area of practice are you interested in?
I am interested in Physical Rehabilitation. Through my Adult Physical Rehabilitation fieldwork placements at Rancho Los Amigos and the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, I grew to love this area of practice. I had the opportunity to work with diverse populations through my OT experience: patients diagnosed with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs), Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), Cerebral Vascular Accidents (CVAs, or Stroke), Lymphedema, and more. In the near future, I envision myself working with the Veteran population as an OT working in Physical Rehabilitation.
Through my experience at USC, as both an Undergrad and Graduate Student, I have had the opportunity to work with a multitude of Veterans from various settings. I have had the opportunity to work with Veterans from the West Los Angeles VA, Veterans from the VA in Salt Lake City, Active Duty Marines at Camp Pendleton in the Wounded Warriors Battalion West, Active Duty Navy Seals preparing for their transition back to civilian life through the USC With Your Shield Program, and I have been serving as the Vice President of Business Affairs for the USC Veterans Association (USCVA). Additionally, I have had the opportunity to meet Former Secretary of Defense Mattis (also known as General James “Jim” Mattis) and I have had the opportunity to collaborate with General David Petraeus on Veterans initiatives at USC. Through this experience, and the knowledge I have gained from the USC MAOT program, I envision myself working with our nation’s Veterans.
Tell us about your favorite memory from the program so far.
The program has provided me with so many impactful memories: from working with patients to collaborating with classmates and faculty, to seeing clients through their rehabilitation journey and regaining independence, I have truly enjoyed my time in the program. However, one of my favorite memories was going to the 2018 AOTA National Conference in Salt Lake City. I traveled from LAX to SLC with 3 of my classmates and we all shared a hotel room. Alex, Serena, Joi and I shared so many laughs, memories and opportunities for growth within those 4 days of conference. From exploring a new city, to seeing thousands of OTs in one place, and listening to current research in our field, conference is an experience that I would recommend to anyone, especially an OT student.
If your childhood had a smell, what would it be?
If my childhood had a smell, it would smell like grass and sunscreen. I spent much of my childhood outside playing soccer, kickball, drawing with chalk, playing “kick the can”, handball, going to the beach/pool, riding my razor with neighborhood friends (go ’90s kids!), and anything else I could engage in. I love being outside and have always felt the restorative power of spending time in nature.
I played soccer for about 12 years: AYSO, Club soccer, Arena soccer, etc. Though, I am now a “retired” soccer player, I still consider soccer a meaningful occupation. Today, I love kicking the ball around, going to LA Galaxy/ LAFC Games, and watching the MLS, EPL, and World Cup on TV.
What song can you sing entirely by heart?
Truthfully? I can sing almost every song in both my iTunes and Spotify libraries, entirely by heart. Ever since I was little, memorizing song lyrics was always a fun thing to do while on the drive home from school or on road trips with my family. I love music and the only thing that gets me through LA traffic is a good playlist and singing along with, literally, every song.
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