ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ

For occupational therapy student Megan LaFrance, it was the diversity of the profession that first caught her attention. Drawn to the idea of helping people engage in the activities that matter most to them, Megan found her passion in a field where no two days — or clients — are the same.

During her first placement in Peace River, working in Home Care and Supportive Living, Megan discovered how deeply rewarding OT can be in a rural setting. From building lasting connections with clients to witnessing the real-world complexity behind the phrase “it depends,” her six-week placement offered powerful insight into what it means to truly support someone’s health and well-being through meaningful occupation.

In this Q&A, Megan shares what she learned, how the experience shaped her vision for the future, and why building strong connections — with clients, classmates, and colleagues — is at the heart of being an occupational therapist.

What drew you to occupational therapy?
The diversity of settings we can work in! There are so many different ways OT can impact individuals and their day to day life. Working with people to find the things that are meaningful to them.

Where did you just complete your placement and what was your role?
Peace River - Home Care and Supportive Living

Tell us about your experience there.
It was great! The community and the OT team was so welcoming. In rural practice, you really get to know so many people so well. I loved doing my rural placement first because I feel like I was fully immersed in the creativity of Occupational Therapy.

What did you learn and/or what impacted you the most?
Everything! The whole 6 weeks were so impactful and every day I was learning something new. Even in a specific practice area, there is so much diversity. I learned how much there is to learn!

Where did you experience the most personal growth through this experience?
Developing rapport with clients! Working with the same clients over my 6 week placement allowed me to truly get to know them and collaboratively work to develop meaningful goals. I began developing my own understanding of myself as a future Occupational Therapist.

How has this experience impacted you as an occupational therapist? What will you take with you into the profession?
It allowed me to put everything we have been learning into practice! I finally got a chance to see what "it depends" looks like in the real world.

What do you see in your future as an occupational therapist?
In the future, I would love to work with kids! Before starting OT school, I was briefly a teacher and would love to work with kids in some capacity again. The mental health side of OT also fascinates me, so maybe a role that combines the two!