When Gracie Young first stepped into a pediatric occupational therapy clinic in high school, she had little idea what occupational therapy was. However, by the end of the week, she was watching children build confidence through play, connection, and small moments of progress that stayed with her long after the apprenticeship ended.
"I thought it was amazing how they worked with the children in all aspects of life to help them be successful at school, at home, in all the settings and areas of their life," Young said. "That’s something I really enjoy, helping others try to be their best self."
Now preparing to graduate from the College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Occupational Therapy Assistant program this spring, Young is turning that early experience into a career focused on helping others grow, adapt, and succeed.
The Meridian native discovered occupational therapy through an apprenticeship required by her high school during junior year. Students were encouraged to explore possible career paths in the community, and Young found herself drawn to a pediatric therapy clinic near her home.
What began as a high school career exploration quickly became something more. Watching therapists help children navigate everyday challenges showed Young the kind of impact she wanted to have in her own career.
"Seeing them grow and have those opportunities made me really feel like, ‘Oh, I want to be there to support that,’" Young said.
That experience is what set her on a path toward occupational therapy. As she researched programs after high school, CWI stood out immediately. Young had already taken dual credit classes through the College and was familiar with the supportive environment CWI created for students.
"I had already been exposed to CWI’s culture and how helpful they are and how they want their students to succeed," Young said. "I knew that I would want to apply for CWI’s program."
Entering the program directly after high school came with a mix of excitement and nerves. Young was one of the youngest students in her cohort, surrounded by classmates with different life experiences and professional backgrounds. Some had worked as behavioral interventionists or in healthcare-related roles while others were changing careers entirely.
For Young, those differences became one of the most valuable parts of the program.
"It’s cool to see all of us with the different experiences in our lives and where we’re at in different walks of life come together to try to achieve a similar goal," she said. "The support that we were able to build with each other and the connections and relationships, it’s definitely something that we’ll keep as we all go out into our careers."
Throughout the program, Young said both classmates and instructors helped her build confidence. She credited Occupational Therapy Assistant faculty, Mel Henderson, Angela Zaugg, and Katie Chase, for helping guide her through the program.
"They really helped me grow professionally and personally," Young said. "Their continued feedback, guidance, and support aided me in building my competence and confidence in my chosen field of study."
The program also broadened her understanding of occupational therapy itself. While Young initially entered the field with a strong interest in pediatrics, her coursework and fieldwork experience introduced her to the many specialties and settings within occupational therapy.
"I didn’t know there were so many routes," she said. "It’s not just outpatient settings. It’s inpatient and hospitals and outpatient clinics and even at home."
Young completed her first Level II fieldwork rotation at Orchards of Cascadia, a skilled nursing facility in Nampa, where she worked with adult patients during an intensive eight-week rotation. Her second rotation brought her back to pediatrics at We Are Better Together, a pediatric clinic in Meridian.
Although pediatrics remains her primary focus, Young said both experiences reinforced how versatile occupational therapy can be.
"One thing about occupational therapy that’s so awesome is it’s so open to opportunities," she said. "All different populations to work with, ages, settings. It’s just really wide and amazing."
During one pediatric fieldwork experience, Young worked with children at an outdoor therapy mud kitchen where play was used to help children build confidence, communication, and social skills. She remembers watching children who were initially hesitant slowly begin to explore, connect, and grow more comfortable in the environment.
"Sometimes you’d have moments where something just clicked," she said. "Maybe they were fearful to go explore in the mud, and then one day they’re just exploring and having so much fun."
For Young, those moments reinforced the reason she was drawn to the profession in the first place.
"Ever since I was young, I’ve always found myself gravitating toward helping those who maybe weren’t seen by other people," Young said. "I like when people are smiling and when I can know that I maybe even played just a little part in that."
Along with support from classmates and instructors, Young said receiving the Laura Moore Cunningham scholarship during both years at CWI also helped ease the pressure of balancing school and full-time fieldwork rotations.
The support allowed her to stay focused on learning, gaining hands-on experience, and preparing for her future career.
"That has made a huge difference," she said. “The financial support helped me focus on school and feel prepared to start my career and move into the next stage of my life.”
As graduation approaches, Young is preparing for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam, licensure, and searching for her first occupational therapy position in the Treasure Valley. She hopes to continue working with children while continuing to grow professionally through hands-on experience and continuing education.
Looking back on the last two years, Young said it is hard to believe how much she has grown since starting the program as a recent high school graduate. Through coursework, fieldwork, and patient interactions, she said she has gained confidence not only as a future healthcare professional, but also as a person.
"I feel like I’ve really built my skills and grown professionally and personally over my two years here," she said.
As she prepares for the next chapter, Young said she remains grateful for the support system that helped shape her journey.
"I’m thankful for CWI and all that they’ve done for me throughout high school and my college career," she said. "It’s been the best opportunity for me."
Interested in a career helping others through occupational therapy? Learn more about CWI’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program and how students gain hands-on experience preparing for careers in healthcare and rehabilitation.
