Stephanie Gomez-Rubalcava MA ’21
Hometown: Santa Maria, CA and Aguascalientes, Mexico
Program: Entry-Level Master’s, Class of 2021
What brought you to occupational therapy?
As a kid, I used to watch an annual, televised fundraiser for Teletón Children’s Rehabilitation Centers (CRIT) in Mexico. I loved seeing how therapists helped families in need, and since then, I grew interested in pursuing a career in OT. During two summers in college, I visited my family in Aguascalientes, Mexico and volunteered at the Teletón Center there. I created my own crafts projects with the kids, helped an OT make an ankle-foot orthosis for a little girl, and learned more about the value of OT in families’ lives. These great experiences solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in OT!
What area of practice are you interested in?
I am interested in pediatric occupational therapy since from a young age I have loved working with kids. Recently, however, I have also become interested in working with the older adult population in adult rehabilitation.
Describe your background before coming to occupational therapy.
I completed my undergraduate studies at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. I majored in Kinesiology with a concentration in Health Science and minored in Psychology and Spanish. I am also a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)!
What are some of the occupations you engage in?
I love spending time with my friends and family, hiking, going to concerts, and cooking!
Tell us about your favorite memory from the program so far.
I made a twin-size weighted blanket entirely by hand over the summer in the Creativity, Craft and Activity Analysis course. It has been one of the most difficult, yet most rewarding, hands-on project I have ever made.
What are some small things that make your day better?
A phone call with my mom, seeing or holding a baby, and an esquite from the corn man in Lincoln Heights!
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