Bethrese Elane Young Padini OTD ’21
Hometown: West Covina, CA
Program: Post-Professional OTD, Class of 2021
What brought you to occupational therapy?
I was intrigued by the very purpose and definition of occupational therapy. It is profound. Occupational Therapy believes in humanistic and holistic values and helps people across the lifespan to take an active role in their lives through meaningful occupations so that they can do what they need and want to do. After 2 years in the master’s program, I have only just begun to truly understand what this means. The more immersed I am in this field, the more I realize that this is the work I was meant to do and I will continue to choose OT again and again.
What area of practice are you interested in?
Mental Health and Health & Wellness, particularly in postsecondary educational settings.
How do you plan to use Occupational Therapy in the future?
An occupational therapy education has allowed me to make many informed decisions in all aspects of my life, ranging from how to best set up my room to how to best play with my niece! Occupational therapy has also allowed me to have a more compassionate perspective and attitude towards others, especially in terms of equity and access. I am excited to use occupational therapy to help others regardless of their background and upbringing as a future leader in the field, perhaps through influencing company policies and maybe even in activism and advocacy to ensure equity and access.
If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
Saipan, the island I was born in.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Live what you believe. Reduce the space between your values, morals, and convictions with your actions.” — Eleanor Roosevelt.
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