Claire Isaia ?16
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Claire Isaia ’16 is pursuing her doctorate in occupational therapy at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Claire graduated from Carthage with a degree in psychology.

“I came to Carthage as a transfer student, unaware of where my career was headed,” she wrote in an update to the Psychological Science Department. “I did know, however, that I was fascinated by psychology and wanted to learn as much as I could about what motivates us as individuals.”

During her junior year at Carthage, Claire took the course Introduction to Neuroscience and learned more about the field of occupational therapy.

“Occupational therapy combines people’s motivation and goals with best clinical practice to improve their everyday lives through meaningful activities,” she explained. “This understanding created my path and took over my senior thesis, titled ‘The Effect of Sleight of Hand as Motivation for Occupational Therapy.’

“After graduating from Carthage College in 2016, I was able to continue my journey in Nashville, Tennessee, at Belmont University. Here, I am continuing my love affair with occupational therapy as I pursue a clinical doctorate.

“I am thankful for Carthage College and the personal guidance of the Psychological Science Department faculty. I do not know if I would have found my passion, and been able to pursue it, if not for their investment in me.”