Paige Siegel receives Jardine Bursary

By Diana Walker

Paige Siegel is in her second year of the Physical and Occupational Therapist Program at Medicine Hat College. After completing her diploma, she hopes to transfer to the University of Lethbridge and obtain a Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation. After that, she will apply for her Masters to become a certified Physical or Occupational Therapist, completing 6-7 years of school.

Paige Siegel receives one of three $1000 Jardine Bursaries from Diana Walker, repre- senting the bursary committee including Cheryl Ball and Sharon Dahl.

“This will allow me to help people recover and improve their physical function and provide me with many different career opportunities,” says Paige.

Paige has always wanted to work with kids and provide care to those in need, especially in a small town where access to health care is often limited.

“I grew up on a farm, near the small town of Oyen,” adds Paige, “and always appreciate the sense of community and involvement it has given me.”

Throughout high school, Paige volunteered extensively at the high school, with FCSS, at local summer camps and with Oyen Skating Club where she gained valuable skills showing her a positive impact of community involvement. This past year, she volunteered with Oyen Figure Skating Club during skating lessons. She is a certified Canskate Coach and plans to coach in the future. During the Big Country Agricultural Society’s 2023 New Year’s Eve event, she sold raffle tickets with plans to volunteer at more BCAS events and within the community. During the summer, she worked at the Oyen Daycare and enjoyed engaging with the community and working with children.

“My academics have remained a priority as I left high school and entered college,” concludes Paige. “I have maintained a GPA of 4.0 and have been placed on the President’s honour roll for the entirety of the first year. I strive to keep this high average moving forward by focusing on my studies and working hard.”

Paige sent an update the end of December. “I have completed the first semester of my second year. I have enjoyed all of my classes, which have involved many labs and community experiences such as visiting the hospital and other organizations within Medicine Hat. In January, I am starting my first of three clinical placements. This will give me hands-on experiences in the areas of occupational therapy and physical therapy in many different settings, including a hospital, private clinic, and long-term care facility. I am looking forward to beginning my practicums and learning from real-life experiences!”