Tatum Bruden, Masters of Occupational Therapy, Midwestern University, and Boise State Alum
Tatum Bruden is a current student in her first year of occupational therapy school at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. After moving to Boise, Idaho, to attend Boise State University on a gymnastics scholarship from Phoenix, Arizona, Tatum graduated from Boise State University in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies with an emphasis in General Health and a minor in Psychology. She was consistently on the Dean’s List and graduated Magna Cum Laude during her time here. Her time at Boise State allowed her to participate as an NCAA athlete on the gymnastics team for all four years of her undergraduate. While sharing her responses below, she indicated that she is thrilled to have moved back to her hometown to pursue a master’s in occupational therapy at Midwestern University. She says, “I have a passion for helping others, and I believe everyone deserves to reach their full potential!” It was an honor to work with her as a student. Learn more about Tatum below:
Tatum describes herself as:
Happy, Caring, and Hard-Working
What are your three most meaningful extracurriculars?
Exercising, Painting, and Cooking
What are you reading right now?
Every occupational therapy textbook there is
Do you think Boise State prepared you for occupational therapy school?
Absolutely. Everything I learned at Boise State has contributed to my professional studies and has made me a better student overall.
What resources did you use at Boise State to prepare you for your OT school?
My academic advisor was very helpful in looking for graduate programs and making sure I was on track to graduate. The Writing Center helped me tremendously in writing my personal statement for applications.
What do you wish you would have known before becoming an OT student?
It’s important to nail down your study strategies and routines prior to graduate school so that you’re prepared when the workload piles on.
What would you tell yourself now knowing what you know now about applying to your professional school?
Be open to schools you may not have considered at first! I couldn’t have been happier with my decision and it was a last-minute school I decided to apply to.
What is it like being a student during a pandemic?
It’s not easy, there’s a lot going on emotionally. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support!
What do you think was the most important experience you had at Boise State?
Being team captain of the gymnastics team gave me a once-in-a-lifetime experience that challenged me and helped me realize my potential as a leader.
What are you most grateful for:
My supportive family
Would you like to talk with Tatum more about her experiences? If so, please contact Erin Colburn at erincolburn@boisestate.edu.