Occupations that make up my occupational identity Component one

Part twoSophie Goddard

Swimming

I used to competitively swim for seven years at the Kaiapoi swim club. I believe this is a big part of my occupational identity as I participated in this sport for so long, I built relationships with the other swimmers and coaches. It was through the act of doing that I built myself an identity around swimming as I was known as the girl who school swum at school. By the experience of winning races and qualifying for different events it gave me a sense of self fulfillment as I was reaching goals and making new ones. It is still apart of my identity today through all the memories and experiences of competing I hold as well as my love for the water.

Running

Competitive running was another sport that I was involved with from a young age. I ran for the North Canterbury running club for six years starting at the age of eleven. This became apart of my identity as it brought enjoyment and connection within my family as my mother and father ran as well. Being apart of the club created a sense of belonging especially when wearing the club uniform as it identified which club I belonged too and made me feel apart of the community. I also used to run for Marian College where I represented the school at different events such as national school cross country and road race.

BarkersI have worked at barkers for the last two summers now. I identify with Barkers as it has helped me to develop skills in the work place and experience working with a cohort of different people. I identify it as a small community in which I belong to through how we look out for one another and the friendly nature of the factory.

Student

I identify myself as a student at Otago polytechnic when I am asked what I do. This has been apart of my identity for the last year and a half and it is through studying that contributes to what I want to become in the future, an occupational therapist.

Flat mateI live in a flat with four other girls who study at the polytechnic and university. We have become very close this year and do most things together such as studying, shopping, movies and many more. As a flat we have learned to live with each other by understanding one another and getting to know how we do certain occupations differently. As a flat we support and look out for one another like a family, which has become meaningful to me and shaped my occupational role as a flat mate.

SketchingI have been sketching and involved with different degrees of art since I can remember. I find drawing is very therapeutic and helps me to wind down. It has become very meaningful to me over the past few years as my passion for it has increased with my ability. It is apart of my occupational identity as I like to draw things I identify with and are purposeful to me.

Sister

Through my relationship and role as a big sister it has become apart of my occupational identity. My sister and I are very close and have been all our lives. Being a sister for the last 17 years has taught me to look out for others and support them in their times of need. We have had a lot of experiences together which have shaped my sense of self and who I am today. This role holds a lot of meaning to me through memories I share with Emma and how she views me as a big sister.

DaughterBeing a daughter is apart of my occupational identity through my mum and dad. This occupation is apart of my sense of self as it is through belonging to a family that has shaped and developed my beliefs and values.

Social netballI play social netball on Tuesday nights with my flat mates and our neighbours. We play at the smithels gym against many other teams. Being in the team gives me a sense of belonging as they rely on me to participate and do my part as a player. It also gives me a sense of confidence and self worth as my team mates encourage me throughout the game. Belonging to a team gives me a sense of identity as I am apart of an occupation that is meaningful to me and others.

Pet ownerMy family have owned pets my whole life so I have grown up being an animal lover. My dog Max has been in my life since I was eight years old and I view him as a big part of my family and my own identity. Looking after Max has taught me to take responsibility for someone else and given me a more nurturing nature.

References:

North Canterbury athletics club (online image). (2009). Retrieved May 26, 2015 from http://www.sportsground.co.nz/northcantathletics

Barkers fruit processing (online image). (2011). Retrieved May 25, 2015 from http://www.barkers.co.nz/