Congratulations to the first MOT-N Grad Class!
Meet some of the first graduates of the Master of Occupational Therapy - North cohort
The MOT-N Class of 2024 crossed both a personal milestone and program milestone when they stepped across the stage at their Fall convocation at the end of November.
A partnership between UBC and UNBC, the UBC Master of Occupational Therapy - North cohort started in the fall of 2022 with 16 students attending classes at UNBC's Prince George campus. The program was launched to help inspire more graduates to practice in northern and rural B.C. communities and to improve culturally safe care, accessibility and community inclusion.
"I am honored to be a member of the first graduating class of the UBC MOT-N at UNBC," said Sarah Foot. "I am grateful for the northern cohort because it enabled me to pursue my studies while staying close to my family. I am excited to be working in Prince George and look forward to helping future students achieve their academic goals close to home."
"I’m hoping that each year as new students enter the cohort, they bring on amazing additions that will continue the growth of the program," added Ivneet Lidder. "Now as a graduate, I look back at my two years I spent with my northern cohort. I really miss being in Prince George with my classmates and professors."
Sarah Foot
Hometown: Hixon, B.C.
What attracted you to your field?
Occupational therapy aligns well with my personal and professional values. I truly feel like I've found my people and the place where I belong.
What is your favourite moment from your time at the MOT-N?
My favourite moments were my placements in a variety of northern communities where I got to be part of the positive impact an OT can have by helping clients do the activities they need, want or have to do.
What is one piece of advice you have for students entering your program?
My advice to aspiring MOT-N students is to persist when times seem tough, build up your support team, be open to trying new things, and expect this program to bring out the very best in you while developing the skills and abilities needed as a healthcare professional in today's world.
Ivneet Lidder
Hometown: Abbotsford, B.C.
What attracted you to your field?
I completed my undergrad in Kinesiology, where I first got to learn about Occupational Therapy. Later I also got to discover that one of my family members had received OT services, but I was never aware of what it meant. I had the chance to volunteer and work alongside some awesome OT’s along the years during my undergrad. That really helped me to determine that I wanted to become an Occupational Therapist.
What is your favourite moment from your time at the MOT-N?
It’s hard to just pick one! But overall my favourite moment was being able to come together with my classmates and have lunch together at the beautiful UNBC campus. We would all gather to learn more about each other, and where everyone was from. Since there were only 16 of us in the northern cohort, we really became close. Now everyone is well connected to each other, and we’ve found life long friendships.
What is one piece of advice you have for students entering your program?
A piece of advice I have for new students entering the program is not to be afraid to take on different opportunities! Find ways to say yes, for whatever comes your way. Whether that’s moving to Prince George to be at the UNBC campus, exploring different cities to do your placements in, or even as simple as saying yes to your classmates and spending time with them outside of school.
Carli Wardrop
Hometown: Houston, B.C.
What attracted you to your field?
During my undergrad I volunteered in the rehab unit at Kelowna General Hospital. I really enjoyed interacting with patients and learning about occupational therapy (OT). I heard many stories from patients about the positive impact an OT had on their lives and recovery, and as soon as I started looking more into the profession I knew it was for me. I loved the idea of being able to help people regain their independence and achieve meaningful goals. It is incredibly rewarding to be a part of people’s journey and helping to improve their quality of life.
What is your favourite moment from your time at UBC/MOT-N?
I was part of UBC’s first Northern OT cohort in Prince George. Our small cohort of 16 is a really amazing group of people. Aside from making some great friendships, my favorite moment was our class get together near the end of the program where we got to celebrate our hard work and future careers!
What is one piece of advice you have for students entering your program?
It will go by so fast! Give yourself grace when school gets hard and remember to take care of yourself first. Don’t hesitate to reach out to classmates and faculty when you need to—they are always there to help. Also, don’t hesitate to ask your professors and preceptors questions; their knowledge and experience is so valuable.