Hamish Wohlers, Occupational Therapy (Year 3)
Having travelled extensively, including a lengthy unsupported trek to Base Camp in Nepal, it seems surprising that Hamish Wohlers had a bit of an epiphany simply sitting in a Dunedin class-room.
But having deliberated for a while over the right tertiary organisation and indeed the right career path, it was enlightening to arrive at Otago Polytechnic’s School of Occupational Therapy and discover he was in exactly the right place.
"After I did a commerce degree, I knew really wanted to teach so I spent about 18 months in Korea teaching English. I loved teaching; found it to be something creative that involved working with people and I could really see myself making a difference in people's lives every-day. Teaching inspired me to look at Occupational Therapy, and beginning this programme was actually the best thing I've done. Why? Because it’s amazing to be able to sit in class and feel that this is exactly what I want to do."
Hamish has had a couple of placements in the neuro-rehabilitation including one at Middlemore hospital, and sees a career in this area as one he would like to pursue. However he’s certainly not limiting himself to one possibility. And as the only male graduate in 2009, he sees a raft of possibilities for both himself and other men to enter the industry.
"The sheer scope of OT is amazing – it’s not just restricted to one area, and there are so many generic skills you learn in training and so many pathways to take. There’s definitely a need for male therapists though –after all, half of all clients are male!”
"I really can’t fault the OT staff at Otago Polytechnic, in fact I would commend them. The programme is well-organised and if you are concerned you can go to a member of staff and never feel like you’re wasting their time. This third-year especially has been inspiring."
Settling into study has not dulled Hamish’s desire for travel and the outdoors however and he counts trekking, tramping, surfing and open-water diving among his interests.
"In between my first and second year I went back-packing through India. At $10 day it was probably cheaper than flatting! I still like the backpacking element of travelling, not the resorts - you always face situations you never thought you’d be in and it’s surprising how you react. There’s a real personal growth that comes with that."