Central Penn College Graduate Grace Frymoyer Thrives as an Occupational Therapy Assistant

Grace (Wiedman) Frymoyer ’24 spends her days solving problems and helping people live better lives. As an Occupational Therapist Assistant, Grace works with patients who face daily challenges. Some are children who are learning how to use scissors, sit still in class, or manage sensory input. Others are adults in rehabilitation who are learning how to bathe, dress, and feed themselves again after serious illness or injury.

It is not easy work. But Grace approaches every patient with optimism and a focus on solutions.

Today, she works in both a school district and a sub-acute rehabilitation setting with patients who use ventilators. Her goal is simple. She wants to help people regain independence and confidence in their daily lives.

Grace says her education at Central Penn College helped prepare her for this important work.

During the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, Grace completed an internship that gave her hands-on experience with real patients. The internship was a safe learning environment where she could build skills, ask questions, and even make a few mistakes under the guidance of experienced professionals.

That experience helped her grow quickly.

Central Penn also helped Grace develop important life and professional skills. She credits the West Shore Connect program, along with supportive instructors and club experiences, for giving her a strong start in her career.

After graduation, Grace spent her first year working as an independent contractor. At times, she felt like she was on her own. That experience taught her the importance of finding mentors and building professional connections.

Now she encourages current students to do the same.

Grace also shares simple advice for students entering the field. Do not compare yourself to others. Give yourself grace when you make mistakes. Learning takes time.

She also encourages students to take full advantage of their internships.

“Swing for the fences,” she says. “Put the pedal to the metal.”

For Grace, internships can open the door to long-term careers. She also recommends shadowing professionals in the field to make sure the career is the right fit.

Today, Grace is doing meaningful work and making a real difference in the lives of others. And she says the education, support, and experiences she gained at Central Penn College helped make it all possible.

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