Student Spotlight: Grace Nuguid
Published - December 16, 2016
Hear About Our Occupational Therapy Assistant Program from a Real OTA Student, Grace Nuguid !
If you’ve seen a pixie-haired, young woman strolling the hallways before her classes even begin, you’ve most likely seen Grace Nuguid. You have probably also caught a glimpse of her bright smile, and if you know her at all you’ve experienced her kind heart.
We began our conversation through the halls of CBD College. As she told me stories about her mom and dad and their influence in her career path, I could tell I was about to have my perspective changed. It was only fitting that we ended up on the big red couch in Career Services. When I asked her why she liked coming to class so early, her response was simple:“I just want to help people.” Continue reading below to learn more about Grace and her time at CBD so far.
Why did you choose CBD College? 
CBD College is the closest to my home. But when I took the tour, I really knew I wanted to come here just from how friendly everyone was.
What program are you in? What does that entail?
I’m in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. There is a difference between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy! PT works more with trying to improve the physical impairment and OTA helps the patient complete the necessary tasks for their day with the impairment. In the future, I will be able to help people with physical and mental disabilities begin or return to their independence with daily living. Before I get to that point, my day- to- day activities at CBD include taking the general classes to help me understand the bigger picture of what being an Occupational Therapist Assistant is like, how to communicate with the patient/coworkers, and medical terminology. So basically what I’m learning in module 1 is my bread and butter.
How did you decide to pursue Occupational Therapy?
My mom was a big inspiration for me to take up the OTA program because she is a COTA, which is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. I was also able to witness how my dad needed help from an OTA. Just from one session, I was able to see how differently my dad was responding to care. There were nurses and doctors who had worked with my dad while he was in the hospital, but the only one who really made him laugh harder than he ever had was an OTA.
Who is your favorite instructor at CBD?
All my teachers are outstanding, but if I really had to choose, it would probably be Dr. Merium Mubarak. Besides the fact that she has laughed at my jokes, I enjoy how she teaches the class. You end up learning because you never know when she’s going to call on you (which puts the fear of god in you to excel in her class). She’s also all about learning. I feel like while we do get letter grades, what’s important for her is that we learn in her class.
What is your most difficult class at CBD?
What is your most difficult class at CBD?The most difficult so far has to be Anatomy & Physiology, but that’s because it’s something I’ve never learned before. This makes it neat, but also difficult.
What would you tell anyone who is interested in becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant?
If you feel like you can be compassionate, patient and able to work with people from different backgrounds and with disabilities, then I’d recommend this program.
Why would you recommend someone to choose CBD?
The fact is, our passing certification is so because our academic program is so comprehensive. Certification is important because it shows you’ve met all the requirements to do what you should be doing in your field. Besides that, the staff is so friendly. You have teachers willing to help you. Your cohort/classmates give you the support that you sometimes just need. You’re not going through anything alone. Overall, you get that big family feeling when you attend CBD. The willingness to help and kindness you receive from CBD makes you want to be just as kind and just as willing to help others.
When is your expected graduation date?
July 2018 is my expiration date.
Before you go, would you like to give a shout out to anyone?
I’d like to give a shout out to my mom and dad, my OTA cohort 5 and my teachers. The friendly staff like Rosa, Dora, Mr. Hayes and Diane (there’s a lot more, but those are the ones I say “Hi” to a lot.) My favorite financial officer Maria Ismerio; she helped me for more than probably an hour with a lot of paperwork. Alyssa for always opening the door for me in the morning. And of course, Susan.
