Sharmaine Salarda
Graduated from SFU in 2021
Major: Behavioural Neuroscience
Degrees Received: BSc
Sharmaine is currently a Student Occupational Therapist at UBC.
Biography
Hello! My name is Sharmaine. I graduated in 2021 with a degree in Behavioural Neuroscience. I've always had an interest in psychology and physiology, so the BNS program was a perfect fit for me. Throughout my undergrad I spent a lot of time volunteering/working in various healthcare settings and research labs to explore my interests. I eventually decided to pursue a career in healthcare, and I am currently a first year student in the Master of Occupational Therapy program at UBC.
QUESTIONS
1) What is your current position? What does a typical work day look like for you?
I am currently a Student Occupational Therapist at UBC. A typical school day involves lectures (where we get to learn directly from experts in the field) and labs (where we get to do some hands on learning and practice our OT skills). After class I relax a bit before diving into readings and assignments.
If I'm on placement, I'll head to the hospital and work with clients alongside my preceptor. A typical day would involve charting, conducting interviews, performing assessments, prescribing equipment, and attending various meetings.
2) How did your education in BPK influence your career?
BPK gave me the background anatomy and physiology knowledge I needed to understand all the conditions and diagnoses I would encounter in occupational therapy. BPK also taught me about the many ways our bodies heal and change after injury and disease, which is super important to know in the field of rehabilitation.
3) Who in BPK had an impact on you and why?
All the professors! Every single one of them was passionate about the work they did, which inspired me to keep exploring until I found something I was extremely passionate and excited about.
4) What is your favourite memory of your time at SFU as an undergraduate?
Panicking in the BPK lounge with classmates before an exam. Just kidding! Probably going to The Study with friends to wind down after a long day. And all the free pancake breakfasts, of course.
5) What advice would you give to today’s BPK student?
Explore your interests, believe in yourself, and enjoy the journey.