PICTURED: The cohort of MSOT graduates recite the Occupational Therapy Pledge at Thursday's Pinning Ceremony.
Ten new graduates of Wilmington College’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program reached a significant milestone Thursday (Dec. 5) as they embark upon careers dedicated to health and healing. The annual MSOT Pinning Ceremony signified the completion of their formal education and noted their eligibility to sit for the profession’s certification examination.
“We’re very proud of you and the work that you’ve done,” said Erin Bales, MSOT program director. “You’re like part of our family and we’re confident you will represent the College and the profession very well.”
The graduating cohort includes Taylor Lang Anderson, Isaiah Blain, Tyler Cook, Madison Dietz, Deepti Dulal, Abbie Cleland Grieser, Miriam Landon, Anne Newton, Samantha Skujins and Austin Young.
Keynote speaker Barry Baker, a chief executive with City Gospel Mission and father of faculty member Mallory Coleman, offered eight suggestions for a successful life. He cited that people are not born leaders, rather they purposefully grow into leadership positions. He also noted the importance of self-reflection, valuing diversity, managing one’s professional passion, being willing to learn from others, being “100 percent in the moment,” being a person of action and “doing life on purpose.”
Blain spoke of the “bonds that will forever connect us,” which were established in the classroom, the field and being together at Fiesta Veracruz and Kava Haus,” he said. “Also, our professors did not just teach us, they mentored and guided us into who we are today.”
Young said the profound experience taught him he can do anything he sets his mind to. “Occupational therapy is not an easy profession to learn,” he added. “We know this work is important. It does matter and we will make a difference.”
PICTURED ABOVE: MSOT Professor Tiffany Lester presents Isaiah Blain with the occupational therapy pin, which signifies the completion of his formal education and eligibility to sit for the certification examination.