This is MCPHS: ‘It’s really motivating when you find the thing that’s right for you’

Health Sciences major Emma Borkosky shares her thoughts on getting involved on campus and the formative experiences that shaped her journey into occupational therapy.

Name: Emma Borkosky

Degree: BS in Health Sciences, Occupational Therapy '27

Hometown: Enfield, Connecticut

Newsworthy Now: Aspiring occupational therapist and Health Sciences major Emma Borkosky is turning her experiences into fuel for pursuing her interests in healthcare. While seeking ways to improve her skills , she’s preparing to transition to the MCPHS Worcester campus next year to earn her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree.

Key Facts: 

• Borkosky served as a peer mentor in her first year and enjoyed the experience of supporting students, motivating her to become a Resident Assistant.
• She is a member of the Student Advisory Board for the Center for Research and Development and was recently named vice president.
• Borokosky is also an executive board member for the Hematology and Oncology Club, where she helps plan volunteering and outreach events.
• She is pursuing a minor in gerontology.

Background: Borkosky grew up in Western Massachusetts before moving to Connecticut as a teenager. At 13, she learned what occupational therapy was when her grandmother suffered a stroke. As Borkosky watched her gradually recover, she developed an interest in healthcare.

“I was never one for needles or blood, so I didn’t know if nursing or something similar would be right for me, but when I got to see rehabilitation firsthand, I realized it was something I could do and really grow to love,” she said.

Fun Fact: She interns at a non-profit that provides supportive services for people with brain injuries and neurological disorders. This November, she participated in a 5K to support the organization, raising several hundred dollars for the group.

Notable Quote: “Working as an RA has helped me become more adaptable. I was never really a person who appreciated change or went with the flow, but I’ve learned to be more flexible through this role, which has been really valuable for me.”

Candid Conversation: Reflections and Advice

What’s your favorite class at MCPHS?

It’s more like a group of classes, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the health sciences classes for my major. Coming into MCPHS, I knew I had an interest in anatomy, neurology and psychology, and that I’d like learning more about those topics. But taking classes like Public Health and Policy and Community Health Needs has shown me public health is a topic I find really fascinating. I did a directed study during my first year researching loneliness among Black older adults in the Boston area, which also really boosted my interest in public health and inspired me to minor in gerontology.

Do you have any mentors who’ve guided you through your educational or professional experiences? 

Yes—one of the great things about MCPHS is that there are so many departments and resources available, so if I’m ever unsure of anything or want to explore something new, I have someone to ask. For example, Dr. Anthony Lacina is the Health Sciences program director and someone I’ve always felt comfortable coming to. I’ve built a great relationship with Dr. Sunnia Ko Davis, with whom I’ve taken four classes. One of the great things about the Health Sciences program is you get really close to your professors. Dean Amy Clinard and Dr. Keri Griffin have given me a lot of support and encouragement as my supervisors. And those are just four people; I could name a lot of others at MCPHS who have helped shape my experience.

What are your career goals after graduation?

I’m interning at Supportive Living Inc. in Lexington, MA where I’ve worked hands-on with people with brain injuries and neurodegenerative disorders. I was able to learn from another occupational therapist who interned there as well about how it shaped her career path. With this experience, I’ve started looking ahead to when I graduate from OT school. After that, I really hope to work with the geriatric or adult population in a setting focused on neurological rehabilitation. My classes have allowed me to explore topics like Parkinson’s disease and stroke recovery as well. It’s been great to study these topics in a textbook and then go to my internship the next day and apply what I’ve learned.

Outside of class and work, what do you like to do? 

I love exploring Boston. I know that’s a classic answer, but there’s always something to do or find based on your interests. I personally love reading, so visiting the Boston Public Library is really nice, and I attended the Boston Book Fest in Copley Square a couple of weeks ago. There are so many spaces and hubs here for different communities and cultures.

Do you have advice for prospective students? 

Some people might think MCPHS is only focused on academics because it’s a small campus, but there’s so many other things. We have lots of clubs, and there’s academic or professional opportunities available through the Center for Research and Development or the Career Development Center. I’d recommend thinking deeply about what you want to get out of your time here and what you value as you explore. And don’t get discouraged if you get involved in something and don’t enjoy it at first. There’s plenty of things I’ve tried that ended up not being a great fit for me, but when you find the right one, it’s really motivating.

"This is MCPHS" is an ongoing series featuring future healthcare leaders from across the University’s 14 schools.