After growing up in the small town of Patterson, Georgia, the move away from home to attend the University of Georgia was a scary adjustment for Josie DuPont. Once she adjusted to the new demands of college life, she found her calling. "College was a bit of a culture shock for me at first, and I thought there was no way I was going to make it through. I didn't even know what I wanted to major in and didn't officially declare a major until halfway through my sophomore year, which is when I discovered occupational therapy and knew that was the career I wanted to pursue," she shared.

During her last year at UGA, she spent time traveling to various grad schools to determine her next move,  completing an internship at a pediatric therapy clinic, and volunteering with hippotherapy – the use of horseback riding as therapeutic treatment.

Josie chose Jacksonville University in Florida to continue her occupational therapy studies after graduation due to their small cohort size, variety of specializations and expertise of professors. She was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi at JU last year.

Let's get to know Josie!

Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?
I chose to accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi as a representation of my hard work and my dedication to my studies and the occupational therapy program at Jacksonville University. I am truly honored to join a community with like-minded individuals who are passionate about their chosen fields. Phi Kappa Phi for me represents perseverance, growth and commitment to lifelong learning.

What was the last show you binge-watched?
I am the type of person who typically rewatches the same shows over and over (I can probably quote every episode of Friends), but I did just jump on the bandwagon and binge-watch Squid Game on Netflix.

Do you live by any piece of advice or motto?
I have two favorites: "Comparison is the thief of joy" and "The best things in life are on the other side of fear"!

Which phone app do you use the most?
Probably Instagram or Facebook. I also spend a lot of time scrolling through Open Table looking for vibey restaurants to add to my food bucket list. 

If you could give advice to your freshman self, what would it be?
Stop eating so much Zaxby's and Chick-fil-A and go to the gym because the freshman 15 really is no joke! 

Do you believe in life on other planets?
The solar system blows my mind and is incomprehensible to me when I sit and really try to think about it, so I wouldn't doubt it!

If you could live anywhere on Earth, where would it be?
I think I would want to live on a cruise ship that travels around the world and has a 24/7 buffet. Or in a cute little village house in Santorini overlooking the Aegean Sea with a killer sunset view and my own infinity pool.

If you could time travel, where would you go?
I think probably the '90s. I was born in the late '90s, so I think it would be cool to time travel back and see what it would have been like as a 20-something living in the '90s. Of course, I would have to stop by and say "hi" to my toddler self as well.

At a party, where can someone find you?
I am probably sitting outside by myself with a plate full of pizza petting the dog. Or if you're not careful I am sneaking off to go home and put on my PJs and watch Netflix with my dog – a perfect little wonky-eyed Pomeranian, Moose.

What do you hope to accomplish in the new year?
Becoming an occupational therapist! I will be graduating from my program in May 2022 and then studying and taking my boards to become officially official! I also hope my mom and I will finally get to take our trip to Italy that we have been planning since 2019. We were supposed to go in April 2020 but then the pandemic hit so hard. 🙁 

To learn more about Josie and connect, visit her profile within our online member community, here.

Is there someone you would like to see in the spotlight? Send your nomination to engagement@phikappaphi.org and be sure to include basic information for the nomination.