Yodit Bizen ’10

Program: Occupational therapy assistant

Coming to America: Yodit was born in Eritrea and grew up in Ethiopia before moving to the United States in 1995.

Path to St. Kate’s: “I went to Highland Park High School in St. Paul and took classes at St. Kate’s during high school. I learned about occupational therapy through my advisor and an occupational therapist told me that St. Kate’s was a great place to study OT. I also had some friends who graduated from St. Kate’s.”

Activities: OT Club and events through Multicultural and International Programs and Services.

Best of both campuses: “I love both campuses of St. Kate’s. In Minneapolis, the Learning Center is a great place to go, especially if English isn’t your first language. And even if it is, it’s still great to have someone proofread your papers. And I use the Butler Center in St. Paul to work out all the time.”

On her professors: “My professors in the OT department are great. They make sure you understand the material and tell you to stop by and talk if you don’t understand. They take their own time and explain beyond what they do in class. They want you to get it. They want you to succeed.”

Getting exposure: Yodit was nominated by her classmates for a scholarship to attend the Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association’s annual conference: “It was a great networking opportunity.”

Giving back: Yodit has volunteered at Catholic Charities’ Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul, serving lunch to those in need. She also helps with recreational activities at Augustana Care Center.

Favorite St. Kate’s memory: The OT Christmas party. “We took a whole day and also had a potluck and yoga day.” Yodit also enjoys collaborative work with other OT students. “We did a thermal plastics project and presented it in St. Paul at Science at St. Kate’s Day.”

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