Alayna Sutherland
When Alayna Sutherland was choosing a college, she was looking for something specific: the intimacy of a small academic environment without sacrificing the energy of a larger campus. Western Michigan University delivered on both.
"Being a CHHS student gave me the best of both worlds," said Sutherland, a senior in the College of Health and Human Services majoring in healthcare services and rehabilitation sciences with an occupational therapy focus. She graduated in spring 2026.
Sutherland said she was drawn to occupational therapy because of a desire to make a tangible difference in patients' lives. "I think OT is a career where you can feel fulfilled by seeing patients grow and knowing that you made a difference," she said.
Her most formative academic experience came through an internship at one of the OT department's fieldwork placement sites, where she got her first real look at the profession in action and built connections with faculty along the way. "It gave me the chance to dip my toes into what the world of OT was really like," she said.
Navigating college as a neurodivergent student with other disabilities presented challenges, but Sutherland said the support she received from CHHS faculty made a difference. Her professors offered resources and a listening ear when things got difficult. "Even when I was struggling, my professors at CHHS were very supportive," she said.
She also praised the program's curriculum for striking a balance between academic rigor and real-world relevance. The discussion-based classes incorporate actual health materials, which she said makes the content more engaging and applicable.
After earning her undergraduate degree, Sutherland plans to continue at WMU, enrolling in the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program.
For prospective students considering CHHS, her pitch is simple: the people. "Everyone here is approachable," she said. "Even though I don't know everyone at CHHS, I still feel like we're all in one little community with a passion for healthcare."