40 Years of OT at York St John – Hannah Pearson

Hannah Pearson studied Occupational Therapy at York St John from 2010 – 2013. She has written a blog post updating us on what she is up to now and about her time on the programme to help commemorate OT’s 40 years at York St John.

Hannah Pearson

When did you study at YSJ?

I started my degree course at York St John in 2010 when I was 26. I had worked for 5 years previously in Marketing and had previously done a degree in Politics. However I’d got to a point in my career where I didn’t want to be desk based anymore and wanted to spend time working with people in a more hands on role. I knew a couple of people who were OTs and after speaking to them and shadowing some OTs in hospital settings, it felt like something that was much more suited to me and my personality.

What was your favourite aspect of OT at YSJ?

It’s hard to pinpoint my favourite aspect of the course, but I loved the opportunities that were presented to me as an undergraduate. It felt like there were so many career paths to choose from and so much potential with the role, something I hadn’t really considered until I started the course. I enjoyed each of my placements which were all very different and showcased the different skills of an OT; including a placement in stroke rehabilitation, an acute mental health hospital, social services and a community memory service working with older people with dementia. I found both students and staff to be very supportive throughout my studies and always approachable. It was a great place to study in a fantastic city. Once I started the course any worries I had about giving up full time work to study again soon disappeared.

What are you up to now? 

I’m currently working as a band 6 in a mental health rehabilitation unit. I work within a fantastic MDT and together we work with patients in their recovery journey. For some that can be working to develop their skills to live independently in their own homes, for others it might be working with them to develop their routines and looking into vocal rehabilitation, and other people may come to us for a more intensive period of assessment to determine where may be an appropriate place for them to live in future. Two days are never the same in this job and I love that I am now working with people and helping them to live the life they want and no longer chained to a desk!

Any favourite memories of your time with YSJOT?

One of the highlights would have to be our graduation ceremony at York Minster and having that feeling that the three years of hard work had all been worth it!

The YSJOT team is aiming to compile 40 blog posts, one from each cohort for the 40th anniversary. If you are interested in contributing please contact us via email: George Peat – g.peat@yorksj.ac.uk , Maria Parks – @m.parks@yorksj.ac.uk or Kerry Sorby – k.sorby@yorksj.ac.uk

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