1. Occupational Identity
Ben Brown

2. Student
Currently in my second
year of tertiary
education studying
Occupational Therapy
towards a Bachelors
degree at the Otago
Polytechnic.
Hoping to carry on
after graduating,
looking at Honours and
potentially Masters
also.

3. (Obviously) everyone is a son or
daughter of someone. I’m very close to
my mother and as both of us are
academically intrigued in the field of
health we have much to talk about.
(This is my mum and I at her recent
graduation where she graduated with a
Bachelor of Applied Science specialising
in the areas of Physical Activity for
Health and Wellness).

4. Older Brother (Eldest sibling)
I am the oldest of two;
one younger brother
(Liam, 17) and one
younger sister (Tamsyn,
14). Throughout the
time I spent living with
my family, I did my best
to ‘be’ a positive role
model for my siblings,
and helping them out
with any issues I found
at their age. Through
this I find myself with a
sense of ‘belonging’
within my family.

5. Future Occupational
Therapist
I am currently studying (second
year) towards a Bachelor of
Occupational Therapy, where I
will become a New Zealand
registered OT. Following this,
my plans as of now are to
endeavour to do the honours
programme, and potentially
lead on to do Masters.

6. I began Muay Thai (thai form of
kickboxing) early 2014, as my
chosen occupation for
Occupational Science. This was
due to my background in Karate
(3rd Kyu Brown Belt) and Kung Fu
(6th Grade Shao Lin Pu Dao, Blue
Belt).
So despite being a noob to muay
thai, I have been able to
transition from other fighting
styles and adapt the method of
thai kickboxing.
Although this is a very new
occupation for me, I find myself at
the gym (UniPol, as pictured)
between 3-5 times per week as
well as 1-2 dedicated Muay Thai
classes every week.

7. Colleague
From 2008 I worked as a
permanent part-time kitchen-
hand at Ngaio Marsh
Retirement Village with these
lovely ladies, duly name my
‘aunties’. I ended my part-time
role at the beginning of 2013 as
I was moving to Dunedin to
study. I regularly return to
Ngaio to assist in casual
kitchen roles as well as
gardening work during the
holidays. Throughout this time
it is through doing and being a
kitchen-hand that I became a
valued part of the kitchen
team, and gained a sense of
belonging within that
environment.

8. Origami-ist (Enthusiast)
I have been doing origami for well over 12
years now, and have made many different
types of models – yes, I can make a paper
crane :P
I find origami to be an extremely efficient
stress reliever for me and I easily find myself
spending hours making many different crazy
objects and shapes. I find satisfaction
through being able to ‘make something from
scratch’ with my own hands with only the
guidance of basic instructions, and
sometimes I make my own models.
Origami is something I don’t see myself ever
giving up, and I believe it is through the
doing aspect in which I find true
occupational satisfaction.

9. Caregiver
Throughout the 2013 year I
worked alongside Josh as a
caregiver and support
worker. This provided me
with a brilliant opportunity
where I was constantly
challenged and rewarded. I
truly value the time I spent
with Josh and wish him all
the best in the future.
This occupation gave me a
strong sense of purpose in
life, and opened my eyes to
the meaning behind helping
others.

10. Linguist (learner of the Japanese language)
I began studying
Japanese in Year 9 at
Christchurch Boys’ High
School (2008) and
continued with this until
Year 13 (2012) where we
concluded with a study
tour to Japan. I am very
passionate about the
culture and ethics of
Japanese people and
plan on returning there
many times throughout
my lifetime.
Here we (my Japanese
class of 2013) are
pictured outside Maruia
Springs, which was a
short field trip.

11. Photographer
I started photography early 2013, using
a Nikon D3100 DSLR camera. I have
taken many photos from this time and
will continue to pursue my passion for
photography.