Meet the students of the College of Public Health and Health Professions, a diverse group dedicated to improving health and well-being in communities around the world. These students come from various backgrounds, united by their passion for health and their commitment to making a positive impact. They bring unique perspectives and experiences to their studies, preparing to become the next generation of health professionals who will address pressing health challenges and advance their field.
Meet: Chloe Prewitt
Program: Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Hometown: Lakeland, FL
Educational background: Undergraduate degree in Psychology from University of South Florida
Why did you decide to join your program?
Throughout middle and high school, I volunteered with a theatre troupe for individuals with special needs. There, I learned about occupational therapy from the people and families that had experienced services firsthand. Through many shadowing opportunities, I grew to love the wide range OT has to offer and the combination of health care and creativity that comes with each setting. Five years later, I chose UF’s program for its hands-on coursework and widely experienced faculty, while staying within driving distance of my family back home.
What have been some of your favorite moments in your program?
So many! I am grateful to be learning with and from a group of inspiring women (both peers and faculty) that make every day a positive experience. Some of my favorites have been attending Lake Wauburg’s “Accessible Day at the Lake” with my cohort, as well as volunteering with Hands to Love, an organization supporting individuals with upper limb differences. I also love being a board member for the Student OT Association (SOTA), helping to enhance the experiences of our current students, and an O.T.D. Ambassador, promoting this program I care so much about to those who are interested in applying.
What do you plan to do with your degree?
I am keeping my options open! I came into grad school with a very specific goal in mind, but as I’ve gone through, I’ve learned about so many OT specialties that now interest me. The great thing about occupational therapy is that I don’t have to just settle on one area forever. I would love to dive into a range of settings/populations within my career and see what I enjoy best.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love anything to do with being outside in nature. I also love art, especially ceramics and painting, or just spending time with friends and family. Anything I can do to maintain my occupational balance!
What would you like to share with others who may be considering the same program?
Going into grad school, I felt so intimidated by the material and workload, and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to keep up. This program does a great job meeting everyone where they are at and ensuring each student’s success. Occupational therapy is an incredible, underrated field and through this program, you learn just how much of a difference OT can make to so many people. I am so grateful to be learning from our faculty, and to have met my cohort who will be my friends and colleagues for life. I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience here, and I highly recommend anyone interested to apply!
Want to learn more?
Learn more about the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.
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