Katelin Munkres, Masters of Occupational Therapy Year 2 at Idaho State University, graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies with a General Emphasis and a minor in Psychology in May 2020. Katelin originally hails from Norman, Oklahoma but later became an Idaho resident. Katelin graduated from the Honors College with Magna Cum Laude and received the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship while attending Boise State. During her time at Boise State University and Idaho State University, Katelin expressed that she was “thankful for her undergraduate professions and mentors and her educators in her graduate program.”
Katelin describes herself as:
Hardworking, caring, honest
She is currently reading:
Crime and Punishment
Do you think Boise State prepared you for Occupational Therapy (OT) school?
Absolutely
What were your three most meaningful extracurricular activities?
Bluegrass music, hiking, and getting coffee with friends
What do you wish you would have known before becoming an OT student?
I wish I had focused more on learning how to apply information. I also wish I had known the full depth of what a career in OT could be. It is such a versatile career, and I would have shadowed as many clinics as I possibly could to understand all the specialties better.
What would you tell yourself now, knowing what you know now about applying to your professional school?
I would tell myself that it is absolutely worth it and do not get so bogged down in the stress: there are a lot of stressors during the graduate school application. However, it is also such an exciting time, and I wish that had been more of my focus. Enjoy the uncertainty.
What is it like being an OT student during a pandemic?
It is very difficult, and there are definitely feelings of isolation and many Zoom meetings. But the staff in my program are incredibly supportive, and that has made a huge difference. I cannot talk highly enough about my professors.
What do you think was the most important experience at Boise State?
Being a research assistant at the Center for Health Policy.
What are you most grateful for:
A strong support system, education, and caffeine.
Would you like to talk with Katelin more about her experiences? If so, please get in touch with Erin Colburn.