Student reflections on unexpected work transitions due to natural disaster in Chile

Abstract

This article presents a reflection on four students' experiences on unexpected work transitions due to natural disaster in Chile. Discussions with locals encountered while traveling throughout Chile prompted the authors to explore the ideas of occupational identity and global stigma attached to unexpected work transitions. The authors present here, excerpts from reflective journaling and an exploration of factors affecting certain individual's ability to adapt and regain occupational identity that has either shifted or been lost due to the effects of natural disaster. The authors explore both micro and macro level factors that may affect this occupational shift, and how attempts to maintain occupation after natural disaster is influenced not only by person factors, but largely by global perceptions of the country affected by natural disaster. Lastly, the authors reflect on this experience from a student perspective, the impact it has on emerging occupational therapists, and the need for more focused research concerning global stigma and its cascading effects.