Society Spotlight: Occupational Therapy Society
By Ruby Thomas
This month, I caught up with Angus and Chloe from UC’s occupational therapy (OT) society. The society is relatively new at UC, as Chloe and Angus are only in the fourth intake of the bachelor’s program. The group hosts a variety of social events, but Chloe and Angus said the society also aims to foster a supportive academic environment.
Chloe and Angus explained that OT is a varied and sometimes misunderstood discipline. It encompasses some physiotherapy principles, but it is also largely about helping people develop ways to work around their injuries or conditions. Even when a patient hasn’t or can’t overcome their injury, Angus and Chloe said that occupational therapists help people to perform the activities they want and need to do despite their limitations.
Chloe said that health degrees can sometimes be some of the most difficult at UC, and as a result, it’s clear that she sees the OT society as an important group for supporting students early on in their studies and seeing them through to the end. Angus said the society hosts weekly study sessions, that aren’t necessarily themed, but can focus on helping students earlier on in their degrees.
“First and second years are like ‘we have no idea how to do this assignment, can you help us?’ and because we’ve done some version of the assignment we can be like ‘yes, this is what we did, this is what they’re looking for,’ so it’s just about supporting [them].
“Uni’s really hard as an 18-year-old and you don’t know anybody and you’re thrown into this big system, so I think we’re just trying to carve out a little niche and be like ‘hey, look, you’re supported here,’” Angus said.
But the OT society also create plenty of opportunities for members to have fun. Last year, the group held a ‘scrub crawl’ event with other health societies, such as the pharmacy, radiography, nursing, midwifery and physiotherapy groups. Chloe said the event was essentially “just like a pub crawl but all health.” The event was a huge success, with around 100 students participating. Chloe also proudly declared that the societies received an award for the biggest off-campus event of last year, even beating snow sports.
This year, the OT society’s big upcoming event is their formal ball. It’s planned to take place on the 21st of September at the Hellenic Club in Civic. It’s the first time the OT society has organised such an event, and it promises to be worthwhile the $95 members’ ticket. The theme is ‘Glitz and Glam: A Night in Vegas,’ and will boast a two-course meal, five-hour bar tab, a DJ, and a photobooth.
For those who can’t wait to engage with the society, the group has organised a paintball event on the 27th of July from 12:30pm-3:30pm.
From their academic and social events, it was readily apparent that Chloe and Angus are deeply invested in the group’s success. They are determined to see the society continue after they graduate, developing relationships with students just starting their degree so the society doesn’t become defunct, as many societies without succession plans often do.
Students can join the OT society through UCX.