More than 40 students from Wallace State Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program were recognized at its annual pinning ceremony for graduates.

Interim program director Rachel Gooch compared the journey for the 43 graduates to growing plant.

“You may have felt like we buried you under a pile of textbooks, assignments, lectures and projects, but the truth is, you were being planted,” Gooch told the graduates. “You were the seed, and the content of your courses was the water and nutrients that you needed to grow roots. Often, we don’t see the roots of a plant. They grow deep and reach far searching for sustenance so that the plant can grow and thrive. I’m sure there were many days that you felt like you were in the dark, searching through your textbooks and slideshows for the answers to so many questions that presented themselves daily.”

Kelly Wilson, OTA instructor and academic fieldwork coordinator, congratulated the graduates for their success and their inspiring dedication and perseverance.

“As you move forward in your careers, remember to pursue your dreams with the same determination you’ve shown here,” Wilson said. “The field of occupational therapy is not just a job; it’s a calling to make a difference in the lives of others. As you help people overcome challenges and regain independence, you fulfill a vital role in their journey.”

Class president Kylie Roden of Henagar congratulated her classmates and said the day marked not only a celebration of what they have accomplished but the difference they will make in the world.

“We embarked on this journey with a passion for helping others, a commitment to making a difference, and a deep-seated belief in the power of rehabilitation and healing,” Roden said. “Throughout our training, we have learned not only the importance of occupational therapy but also the invaluable lesson of empathy – the ability to see the world through the eyes of those we serve, to understand their struggles, and to empower them to overcome obstacles and reclaim their lives.

Program award recipient Peytan Dill of Gardendale reminded the audience to not take for granted the simple, everyday tasks we do, from brushing our teeth to cooking a meal to coping with stressful situations. Tasks for which they help others relearn or make adaptations to complete in their jobs as occupational therapy assistants.

“Occupational therapy is far more than a career path; it is a calling—a calling to improve lives, to restore hope where it has dwindled, to empower individuals to achieve their fullest potential,’ Dill said. “It is a profession that embodies the very essence of empathy, resilience, and transformation.”