W.I.S.E. Wednesday: Insight from Undergraduate Jessica Mciver

Introducing our next W.I.S.E. Wednesday Highlight. Jessica Mciver is a second-year undergraduate at the Ohio State University. She is majoring in Health Sciences with a minor in Child Development on the Pre-Occupational Therapy pathway. Jessica hopes to attend Graduate School to one day practice Occupational Therapy. 

Jessica shares insight on her undergraduate journey as a Health Sciences student at The Ohio State University, share her passions for her career of choice, her setbacks in her professional and academic life, and gives her advice on how anyone can pursue a STEM career if they have the confidence and the mindset to do so.

Interview Transcript

Question #1: Can you introduce yourself, your major, and STEM related involvement on and off campus?

"My name is Jessica, and I am currently majoring in Health Sciences with a minor in Child Development. This combination reflects my passion for understanding both the physical and developmental aspects of health, particularly in children. On campus, I am actively involved in the Pre-OT/Pre-PT Club, which has provided me with valuable opportunities to learn more about the fields of occupational and physical therapy through guest speakers, workshops, and peer networking. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy volunteering in settings that support children’s growth and well-being, which has deepened my interest in pursuing a career that blends healthcare with developmental support. Being part of a STEM field has inspired me to continue exploring how science and compassionate care can come together to make a positive impact in people’s lives."

Question #2: What inspired you to pursue a STEM major?

"I’ve always known that I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, not necessarily as a nurse or doctor, but in a role where I could still make a meaningful impact on people’s lives by helping them recover and improve their well-being. This desire to support others in their healing journey inspired me to pursue a STEM major. Over time, I discovered a strong interest in Occupational Therapy, a field that perfectly aligns with my passion for healthcare and my goal of helping individuals regain their independence and improve their quality of life."

Question #3: How do you handle failure or setbacks in STEM-related work?

"When I encounter a failure or setback in my STEM-related work, I try to view it as a valuable learning experience rather than a defeat. I take the time to step back and assess the situation as a whole, identifying what went wrong and why it happened. I ask myself critical questions like: What could I have done differently? What gaps in my knowledge or approach contributed to the outcome? From there, I come up with a plan for how I can improve and move forward, whether that means seeking additional help, adjusting my study strategies, or revisiting foundational concepts. I also think about how I would handle a similar situation in the future to prevent the same issue from happening again. In STEM, where trial and error is often a key part of the process, I’ve learned that setbacks are not signs of failure, but stepping stones that help build resilience, sharpen problem-solving skills, and ultimately lead to growth and success."

Question #4: Has there been a STEM-related project you have worked on that made you feel rewarded? If so, could you describe it?

"One of the most rewarding STEM-related experiences I’ve had was shadowing at Nationwide Children's Hospital during the month of February. Being able to observe healthcare professionals in a real-world setting and witness the impact they have on patients' lives was incredibly inspiring. It gave me a first-hand look into the day-to-day responsibilities of those working in the medical field, especially in areas related to pediatric care. Gaining this opportunity wasn’t immediate—it took time, effort, and persistence to become a part of the program, which made the experience even more meaningful to me. It not only reaffirmed my passion for pursuing a career in healthcare, particularly in Occupational Therapy, but also gave me a sense of accomplishment and confidence in my path. Seeing the difference that compassionate, hands-on care can make in a child’s recovery truly motivated me to keep working toward my goals."

Question #5: Can you explain a challenging project you worked on, and how you overcame the obstacles?

"One of the most challenging projects I’ve faced has been managing the demanding coursework that comes with being a STEM major. The material can be complex and time-consuming, which can feel overwhelming at times. To overcome this, I’ve learned to break the work down into smaller, more manageable tasks rather than trying to tackle everything all at once. I make an effort to space out my assignments and study sessions, creating a schedule that allows me to stay on track without feeling overloaded. This approach not only helps me stay organized and focused, but also reduces stress and improves the quality of my work. By staying consistent and giving myself enough time to fully understand the material, I’m able to meet deadlines and handle the challenges that come with rigorous STEM courses more effectively."

Question #6: What is a common misconception people have about your STEM major?

"A common misconception people have isn’t necessarily about my STEM major itself, but rather about my future career in Occupational Therapy. Many people tend to confuse Occupational Therapy with Physical Therapy, assuming that the roles and responsibilities are the same. While both fields involve helping people recover and improve their quality of life, Occupational Therapy focuses on helping individuals develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily activities, while Physical Therapy is more focused on improving physical mobility and movement. Additionally, some people mistakenly believe that Occupational Therapy is all about helping people find jobs, when in fact it’s about helping individuals gain or regain the skills necessary to live more independently and engage in everyday tasks—whether that’s dressing, cooking, or managing their environment. It’s important to clarify these distinctions so that people understand the true scope and value of the work done by Occupational Therapists."

Question #7: Where do you see yourself in the next five to ten years in your STEM journey?

"In the next five to ten years, I see myself graduating with my Bachelor’s degree and immediately transitioning into Graduate School to continue my education. This will be the next step in my journey as I work towards earning a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Once I complete my studies, I plan to begin practicing as an Occupational Therapist, where I can apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to make a meaningful impact on the lives of my patients. I’m excited for the opportunity to continue learning and growing within the field, and I’m eager to contribute to the healthcare community by helping individuals improve their quality of life and independence."

Question #8: What is a piece of advice you would give someone who is struggling on whether or not to go into STEM?

"A piece of advice I would give to someone struggling with whether or not to pursue a career in STEM is to approach it with confidence and an open mind. While the journey can be challenging, especially in the beginning, it is an incredibly rewarding experience. The hard work you put in will ultimately pay off, especially when you see the impact it has on both your personal growth and the work you will do in the future. I would also recommend shadowing professionals in different fields. There are so many areas within STEM, and you won’t know which one truly resonates with you unless you experience it firsthand. Shadowing is a great way to explore different career paths, gain insight into daily responsibilities, and help narrow down which field feels like the right fit for you. It’s a valuable experience that can guide your decision-making and help you make a more informed choice about your future."