College of Health and Human Services

College of Health and Human Services
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5243 USA
(269) 387-7367

Meet Alayna Sutherland, HSSRS - OT Preparation Major

The following questions were asked about Alayna's WMU experiences thus far:

  1. What made you choose Healthcare Services and Sciences Rehabilitation Sciences – OT? 

    1. I chose HSS OT because I knew it would be a major with diverse healthcare information from many different areas which would help me become a well-rounded, knowledgeable occupational therapist

  1. Why did you choose WMU? 

    1. I chose WMU because it would give me the big college experience I was looking for, while having smaller class sizes and close connections with professors in the College of Health and Human Services to help me succeed academically.

Alayna Sutherland in front of a sunset on the beach
Alayna enjoying a sunset in Marco Island, Florida while visiting her grandparents.

  1. Can you reflect on the quality of instruction and support you’ve received from the Speech faculty? 

    1. The professors and instructors I’ve had at CHHS have been the best and my favorites. They try to get to know you as both a student and a person, which is something I value. The instructors here have a “learning through doing” approach to their classes which I appreciate a lot.

  1. How have the Student Engagement Center team and your advisor supported your journey at WMU? 

    1. My academic advisor has helped me so much when it comes to my education. She’s given me some great course recommendations and has helped me in the process of applying to OTD programs. She’s a great resource!

  1. Tell us about any Experience-Driven Learning you have participated in. 

    1. I took a Holistic Health Yoga Class and I loved it because we got to experience what we were learning. Also, it was a way that I could improve my health while participating in class. I enjoyed it so much that it made me declare a Holistic Health minor!

  1. If you could describe your WMU experience in three words, what would they be? 

    1. Eye-opening, joyous and influential.

  1. What are you most looking forward to doing after graduation?

    1. Starting an OTD program! I’m undecided as to where I will be, but I would love to pursue an OT Doctorate to officially become a practicing OT one day.