Sierra Hays
“The OT program has provided me with the best education and given me so many clinical experiences to help me grow into a future clinician.”
What initially sparked your interest in occupational therapy?
I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field and have an impact on people’s lives. One evening, I was talking to my aunt, and she told me about OT and what it was. After that conversation, I knew that there was no better way to have an impact on people’s lives than by helping them do the things most meaningful to them.
Why did you choose to attend WVU and pursue OT here?
I chose to attend WVU because of the small class sizes of the OT program and the proximity to my family and friends. I also knew I would get a great education and be afforded many opportunities I could not get at other universities.
Looking back, how did your time at WVU prepare you for the next step in your career?
The Exercise Physiology program at WVU helped me develop the study skills I needed to succeed in graduate school. The OT program has provided me with the best education and given me so many clinical experiences to help me grow into a future clinician. My OT capstone experience allowed me to create my own unique project, which helped me to develop unique skills for a fellowship I was offered after graduation.
What is one skill or lesson you gained during your time at WVU that you will carry with you?
The biggest lesson I have learned at WVU is to take each opportunity you get, whether in school or in life. Big changes are scary, but without taking those chances, you will always be left wondering ‘what if’.
What experience (internship, clinical, project, organization, etc.) had the biggest impact on you?
My capstone project has definitely had the biggest impact on me and my future career. This project was centered in a specialized pediatric brachial plexus clinic and focused on treating children with nerve injuries in their arms. I believe this project made me a better candidate for the Pediatric Hand Therapy fellowship I accepted at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at WVU?
The accomplishment I am most proud of from my time at WVU is how hard I have worked to set myself up for my dream fellowship. I put my all into this program to be the best student I could be and make myself the best possible candidate for the position. Because of my dedication and hard work, I am now on track to start the fellowship I have dreamed of since my first year of OT school.
How do you hope to make an impact in your career or community moving forward?
I hope that after completing my fellowship, I can bring the skills I will gain in treating pediatric upper extremity injuries to underserved areas to provide specialized care to such a unique population.
What advice would you give to incoming or future WVU students?
My biggest piece of advice would be to enjoy the moment you are in and don’t wish your time away. Do fun things with your friends, enjoy being in Morgantown and go to all the fun events at WVU, but don’t forget to focus on your studies. Your time here will go by so quickly, and before you know it, you will be walking across that stage and wishing you had more time with the friends you met along the way.
What is your favorite memory from your time at WVU?
My favorite memories from my time at WVU include going to games with my friends and my sister, who also went to WVU. I love the environment of WVU games and singing Country Roads with my friends after a win!
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be taking my board exam. After I pass my board exam, I will be completing a Pediatric Hand Therapy Fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.