More than 40 graduate from Occupational Therapy Assistant program

Hanceville, AL — More than 40 students from Wallace State Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) 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.

One of her favorite quotes is “We must have roots to rise,” she said.

“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.”

Throughout the semesters, Gooch said she was privileged to watch her students’ roots grow deeper as they gained knowledge from fieldwork and “began to sprout leaves and limbs of interest through hands-on experience. You began applying your knowledge and your patients reaped the benefits.

“I hope you flourish and grow toward the sky, reaching for the light of knowledge and when the winds begin to blow and your branches shake, I hope you remember your roots,” Gooch continued. “Your roots will provide your support and strength. You’ve put in the work, now trust your roots, because you’ll need your roots in order to rise.”

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. Remember the words of Albert Schweitzer: “The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others.”

Kylie Roden of Henagar, left, president of the Wallace State Occupational Therapy Assistant class of 2024, accepts a certificate from interim program chair Rachel Gooch during the class’s pinning ceremony on Tuesday, July 30.

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.

“So let us go forward from this moment with passion in our hearts, purpose in our steps, and the unwavering belief that through our dedication and compassion, we truly can change lives.”

Wallace State Occupational Therapy Assistant program award winner Peytan Dill of Gardendale speaks to her classmates during the pinning ceremony for the class of 2024.

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.”

The Wallace State Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant program is a three-semester associate degree program, with new students entering each fall semester. Applications are accepted March 1 to June 1 each year. Minimum application requirements include completion of two semesters of general required pre-OTA courses; a minimum 18 ACT composite score; and a minimum GPA of 2.5 or greater on all general required pre-OTA courses.

For more information, contact Susan Wadkins at 256.352.7848 or susan.wadkins@wallacestate.edu or visit www.wallacestate.edu/ota.

Registration for Fall 2024 classes at Wallace State Community College is underway, with regular and Mini Term I classes beginning Aug. 19. Flex Start terms begin Aug. 26 and Sept. 2. Mini Term II classes will begin Oct. 16. For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu, call 256.352.8000 or come by Lion Central in the lobby of the James C. Bailey Center Monday-Wednesday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or Friday 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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About Wallace State

Wallace State Community College (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as a finalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, Wallace State is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit Wallace State’s beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at www.wallacestate.edu, or call 256.352.8000.