St Mary’s Women: Siobhan Wilkins (’10)
POSTED March 29 2022 , Old Girls
IN 30 SECONDS
Class of: 2010
Tertiary education: Bachelor of Science, Occupational Therapy from Curtin University
Current role: Occupational Therapist at MercyCare
Dream dinner guest: Brene Brown
Music you are currently listening to? The new Michael Bublé album and the Shameless podcast
Favourite subject at school: PE Studies
Your experience at St Mary’s in 3 words: Fun, Happy, Memorable
Where has life after St Mary’s taken you?
After St Mary’s I went straight into study, because I wasn’t sure whether I would have the motivation to study again if I took a break. My degree was four years and at the time, and although not always the easiest, I am glad that I stuck with it. The course was a mixture of content and ‘real world’ experiences, which helped keep me motivated. Following my last lot of placements, I did a bit of travel and had applied for a job (not thinking I would get it) whilst I was away.
Upon returning to Perth, I was offered that job with Alzheimer’s WA and took up a position working with people under the age of 65 living with dementia. It was an enormous learning curve and definitely shaped the work that I do now. I spent around four years working with the organisation, with a brief 12-month contract with the Disability Services Commission in the middle. During this time, I also bought a house, and got married, thankfully just before COVID.
The last two and a half years have been another huge adventure. I completed my Certificate IV in Leadership and Innovation in Dementia Care and moved to my new role as an occupational therapist with MercyCare in community aged care. I still love and have a passion for working with people living with dementia; however, I am very excited that I now get to work with a more diverse range of people.
You have regularly shared your experiences of life after St Mary’s with current students. How has this connection with your old School helped you as an individual?
I really enjoy sharing my experiences with students. It has helped me reflect on my time at school and better understand what I wish I had known or wanted to ask but didn’t have the courage to ask. It has helped me better define my job title and what it means to be an OT working in Aged Care. OT is such a broad field that it can be difficult to explain to people who don’t work in the area, so sharing with the girls has allowed me to define this over the years. It has also given me the courage to share my passions in the hope that it encourages others to do the same, regardless of their chosen field of work.
Was there a particular teacher or staff member who left a lasting impression on you? If so, who was it and how did they influence you?
There were a few, but my standout is Ms Botica. She always encouraged me to believe in myself, to work hard and let my work speak for itself. She never gave up on helping me chase my dreams.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my presentation at the Alzheimer’s Disease International Conference, when it was held in Perth. I hadn’t been working for very long and at school I hated public speaking, so along with being a challenge, this pushed me way outside my comfort zone!
What is your fondest memory of your time at St Mary’s?
I think my fondest memories of St Mary’s are because of my wonderful friends. Whether it was the sports carnival or CAPAF, or even just walking to science, it’s hard to imagine any of my school memories without my friends.
What is the most important message you want to send out to current students thinking about their tertiary pathways and careers?
Never forget that you are talented and worthy of great things. Don’t be afraid to choose a career path that is something you are passionate about and find a way to get there. Your fear shouldn’t stop you from achieving big things!