Taylor Babcock, outstanding graduate from the Department of Occupational Therapy at Colorado State University, has worked through the pandemic to continue to make a positive impact on children with disabilities.
Babcock spent most of her life in Michigan where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan. She moved to Fort Collins with a two-month notice to start her master’s degree in occupational therapy. Even though she did not visit the city or the CSU campus prior to moving, Babcock quickly fell in love with both.
Completing her degree during the pandemic
After the COVID-19 pandemic caused schools to move classes to a virtual format, Babcock had to learn how to adapt to the new classroom format and leaned on her fellow classmates for support. She appreciated the supportive culture of the OT department.
“One of the aspects that has made CSU OT so phenomenal for me is that the department is very tightknit,” said Babcock. “Our professors and advisers have always made an effort to get to know each one of us, how we learn, and what our interests are. I often find myself emailing a former professor for advice and mentorship.”
While attending CSU, Babcock completed her fieldwork with the City of Fort Collins Adaptive Recreation Opportunities where she supported and facilitated participation in various summer camps and sports. She continued to work for the city in the fall at a day camp that supported kids to engage in their virtual classrooms.
Babcock was also a part of a collaboration project between the Departments of Engineering and Occupational Therapy to build a play set for a 5-year-old girl with a rare genetic disorder.
“One of my personal biggest accomplishments was getting to be part of the collaboration between the departments to design and build a playground for Hanora,” said Babcock. “Designing a backyard to promote play was a joy of a lifetime.”
Reflecting on her time at CSU
Babcock will complete her last field placement with the pediatric mental health population this summer. After that, she plans to start searching for an occupational therapy job in the Denver area. Looking back on her accomplishments and memories at CSU, Babcock says she will miss the people the most.
“It’s a university full of humble, hardworking, and welcoming humans,” said Babcock.
The Department of Occupational Therapy is a part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
