Gracie is making the most of her internship experiences by exploring different pathways within the healthcare field. In the fall semester she earned her internship hours through the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. While that experience confirmed her interest in healthcare, it also helped her realize that nursing might not be the perfect fit.

Now, in her second internship, Gracie is working alongside occupational therapists and occupational therapy aides right here in Perry Elementary School and Gracie is thriving.

In this role, Gracie supports small group instruction and helps young students build essential fine motor skills. Whether it’s practicing proper pencil grip or tracing lines, she brings energy and creativity to each session. Armed with a “fun bucket” of engaging activities, Gracie has built strong connections with the students she serves. They eagerly attend their sessions and are always excited to share stories about their day.

Through this experience, Gracie is gaining a deeper understanding of occupational therapy. She has observed and participated in everything from interventions to assessments and documentation, giving her valuable insight into both the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant roles.

Most importantly, this internship is helping Gracie discover more about herself. She is now considering occupational therapy as a future career and is exploring colleges with strong pre-OT pathways that will prepare her for graduate-level study.

Gracie is grateful for the support of her mentors, who not only model effective strategies but also trust her to lead sessions under their guidance.
Her journey is a great example of how internships can help students refine their goals and find the right path forward.
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