Veronica Waddy My ‘Occupational Identity’ Component 1: Part 2

Family activities together – this is a value that my family have fostered since I can remember. I value the time we are together and each of them have shaped who I am such as through daily activities, celebrations and trips away. My father, mother, sister and brother have been a part of my growth and will continue to be a part of that.

Farm life – I have lived on a farm for my whole life. With living on a farm comes farming responsibilities, being outdoors, sheep work, horse riding, motor biking, working in the hills and working despite difficult weather conditions. These are skills and experiences are then implemented into my everyday lifestyle. All aspects of what I do can relate to my farming background.

Photography – I have discovered a passion for taking photos of everyday interactions between objects, landscapes and people. It is a form of my own personal expression to how I see things. I take photos daily, something I do and I believe they hold a lot of value and express more than words ever will. This is something I do purely for my own enjoyment.

Dogs – This is our family dog Rum. I have always had dogs around growing up and learnt to care for them and train them. This has taught me responsibility and discipline. I have spent a lot of time with different dogs learning about them. This is a part of who I am and I would like to always have a dog.

Boarding School – I was a boarder for 5 years at Acland House for Christchurch Girls High School. The routines, living away from home, the people, matrons and environment has all contributed to me learning invaluable life skills and develop fond memories.

Horse riding – I have been riding horses since I was 4 years old and this sport has taken a lot of energy, time, money and motivation. I have met many people through this sport and have been part of a pony club, an area team representative and worked with managers, coaches, team mates, parents, etc. I am very competitive and horse riding has fostered that. I do it for both leisure and productivity, this has been a huge part of my life and enabled me to discover more about myself in my ability to work with an animal and communicate.

Travel has contributed to shaping me and developing my own sense of self. As a child my family and I travelled and in 2012 I took a GAP year around the UK, Europe and South America (photo location – Quito, Ecuador). It was in that year that I truly appreciated how vast the world is and what there is to see. I plan to continue travelling for the rest of my life through my work (productivity) and for leisure. There is a community (network) of people associated with travel which I feel included in.

Meeting people and engaging with them is a huge part of who I am. This is the group that I walked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with. I have been in sports teams since a very young age (pony club, netball, rugby, tennis, spanish, school, etc). I do this through both leisure activities productivity and self care – I live in a flat with 5 girls.

Working with children – I have been a nanny and babysitter throughout my life. I enjoy spending time with children and it has enabled me to meet many people and travel to many beautiful places such as Spain, France, Scotland and Ireland. Without working with children I couldn’t appreciate the work my mother had to go through.

Studying for three years in Dunedin to become an Occupational Therapist. This is a productive aspect of my life that I have involved myself in and committed to. I am part of a student community within the Occupational Therapy school. I am also in a flat with 5 other girls and belong to that group.