Alyssa Wood
Wednesday, March 09, 2022 12:00 AM
Out of the woods
Sometimes in life, the most important decision you can make is either not to do something or, rather, to pivot and go in an entirely new direction. Alyssa Wood, 25 and from Shelby Township, is the perfect example.
Having previously obtained a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from Central Michigan University, Wood transferred to Grand Valley State University in pursuit of a degree that would land her a speech-language pathologist role. After her first week of classes, she was faced with a challenging realization: The passion she had once felt for her chosen profession had waned.
Taking an occupational sabbatical
Wood decided her next logical step was to take a year off from school and return home while she came up with a game plan. Thankfully, she’s always had a strong familial bond. In addition to being close with her older brother, Wood says that her parents “have always supported me in all of my endeavors.”
With interests leaning toward health, fitness and well-being, Wood enjoys weightlifting and competitive gymnastics, the latter of which she participated in for 14 years. She’s also a self-proclaimed “HUGE animal lover” who hopes “to be able to adopt tons of rescue dogs and provide them with the loving home that they deserve.” It should come as no surprise, then, that Wood transitioned to a vegan diet, noting that it was “one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself and my health!”
Living life to the fullest
After an introspective break from college, Wood realized her calling was to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA). Her health-focused mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of others, treating them with compassion and helping them to reach their full potential.
“I want to help people engage and participate in the things they want and need to do,” explains Wood, “to allow them to live life to the fullest.”
Wood began poring over Michigan colleges to find a match for her newfound career choice. She soon came to see that Macomb provided the best fit. Not only would the short commute allow her to save money by being close to home, she was impressed by the college’s OTA certification pass rate (100% in 2018).
“Macomb is loaded with resources for student success and is the perfect place to learn, grow and prepare for your future career” adds Wood. “You will receive an amazing education here at a very affordable and reasonable price!”
Now reaching the end of her Macomb journey, Wood is looking forward to her graduation in May, completing her certification exam and beginning her healing career.
“I’m extremely proud of myself for pursuing a new dream and doing what it takes to make that new dream come true.”
Sometimes in life, the most important decision you can make is either not to do something or, rather, to pivot and go in an entirely new direction. Alyssa Wood, 25 and from Shelby Township, is the perfect example.
Having previously obtained a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from Central Michigan University, Wood transferred to Grand Valley State University in pursuit of a degree that would land her a speech-language pathologist role. After her first week of classes, she was faced with a challenging realization: The passion she had once felt for her chosen profession had waned.
Taking an occupational sabbatical
Wood decided her next logical step was to take a year off from school and return home while she came up with a game plan. Thankfully, she’s always had a strong familial bond. In addition to being close with her older brother, Wood says that her parents “have always supported me in all of my endeavors.”
With interests leaning toward health, fitness and well-being, Wood enjoys weightlifting and competitive gymnastics, the latter of which she participated in for 14 years. She’s also a self-proclaimed “HUGE animal lover” who hopes “to be able to adopt tons of rescue dogs and provide them with the loving home that they deserve.” It should come as no surprise, then, that Wood transitioned to a vegan diet, noting that it was “one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself and my health!”
Living life to the fullest
After an introspective break from college, Wood realized her calling was to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA). Her health-focused mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of others, treating them with compassion and helping them to reach their full potential.
“I want to help people engage and participate in the things they want and need to do,” explains Wood, “to allow them to live life to the fullest.”
Wood began poring over Michigan colleges to find a match for her newfound career choice. She soon came to see that Macomb provided the best fit. Not only would the short commute allow her to save money by being close to home, she was impressed by the college’s OTA certification pass rate (100% in 2018).
“Macomb is loaded with resources for student success and is the perfect place to learn, grow and prepare for your future career” adds Wood. “You will receive an amazing education here at a very affordable and reasonable price!”
Now reaching the end of her Macomb journey, Wood is looking forward to her graduation in May, completing her certification exam and beginning her healing career.
“I’m extremely proud of myself for pursuing a new dream and doing what it takes to make that new dream come true.”