Occupational Identity

Ben Brown

Student

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Currently in my second year of tertiary education studying Occupational Therapy towards a Bachelors degree at the Otago Polytechnic. Hoping to carry on after graduating, looking at Honours and potentially Masters also.

Son(Obviously) everyone is a son or daughter of someone. I’m very close to my mother and as both of us are academically intrigued in the field of health we have much to talk about.

(This is my mum and I at her recent graduation where she graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science specialising in the areas of Physical Activity for Health and Wellness).

Older Brother (Eldest sibling)

I am the oldest of two; one younger brother (Liam, 17) and one younger sister (Tamsyn, 14). Throughout the time I spent living with my family, I did my best to ‘be’ a positive role model for my siblings, and helping them out with any issues I found at their age. Through this I find myself with a sense of ‘belonging’ within my family.

Future Occupational Therapist

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I am currently studying (second year) towards a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, where I will become a New Zealand registered OT. Following this, my plans as of now are to endeavour to do the honours programme, and potentially lead on to do Masters.

Kickbox

erI began Muay Thai (thai form of kickboxing) early 2014, as my chosen occupation for Occupational Science. This was due to my background in Karate (3rd Kyu Brown Belt) and Kung Fu (6th Grade Shao Lin Pu Dao, Blue Belt).

So despite being a noob to muay thai, I have been able to transition from other fighting styles and adapt the method of thai kickboxing.

Although this is a very new occupation for me, I find myself at the gym (UniPol, as pictured) between 3-5 times per week as well as 1-2 dedicated Muay Thai classes every week.

ColleagueFrom 2008 I worked as a permanent part-time kitchen-hand at Ngaio Marsh Retirement Village with these lovely ladies, duly name my ‘aunties’. I ended my part-time role at the beginning of 2013 as I was moving to Dunedin to study. I regularly return to Ngaio to assist in casual kitchen roles as well as gardening work during the holidays. Throughout this time it is through doing and being a kitchen-hand that I became a valued part of the kitchen team, and gained a sense of belonging within that environment.

From left; Eileen, myself, Lin, Debbie & Lynn

Origami-ist (Enthusiast)I have been doing origami for well

over 12 years now, and have made many different types of models – yes, I can make a paper crane :P

I find origami to be an extremely efficient stress reliever for me and I easily find myself spending hours making many different crazy objects and shapes. I find satisfaction through being able to ‘make something from scratch’ with my own hands with only the guidance of basic instructions, and sometimes I make my own models.

Origami is something I don’t see myself ever giving up, and I believe it is through the doing aspect in which I find true occupational satisfaction.

Caregiver

Throughout the 2013 year I worked alongside Josh as a caregiver and support worker. This provided me with a brilliant opportunity where I was constantly challenged and rewarded. I truly value the time I spent with Josh and wish him all the best in the future.

This occupation gave me a strong sense of purpose in life, and opened my eyes to the meaning behind helping others.

Linguist (learner of the Japanese language)

I began studying Japanese in Year 9 at Christchurch Boys’ High School (2008) and continued with this until Year 13 (2012) where we concluded with a study tour to Japan. I am very passionate about the culture and ethics of Japanese people and plan on returning there many times throughout my lifetime.Here we (my Japanese class of 2013) are pictured outside Maruia Springs, which was a short field trip.

Photographer

I started photography early 2013, using a Nikon D3100 DSLR camera. I have taken many photos from this time and will continue to pursue my passion for photography.