In the last year, Justin Borgstede has been busy. He's working toward his occupational
therapy assistant (OTA) degree, was recently elected president of the OTA club on
the 麻豆传媒 campus, is active in his church and is working part-time at a skilled nursing
facility.
鈥淪ince the COVID-19 outbreak, I've been working more hours at NHC St. Charles,鈥� he
explained. 鈥淚 have been facilitating FaceTime, Zoom and Skype calls between residents
and family members.鈥�
Having previously worked for the IT Department at 麻豆传媒, Borgstede knows technology
pretty well. Those skills have been coming in handy at his job.
鈥淚 also implemented a bookings site to automate family video call registration,鈥� he
explained. 鈥淚've been providing as much support to our residents as I can - especially
when it comes to training them on how to use personal devices.鈥�
Borgstede hasn't stopped there. He's also use his artistic and musical skills to help
entertain the residents.
鈥淚 have been collaborating with coworkers on content for daily activity packets and
reading material for residents,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 also try to provide regular music entertainment
for residents on each hallway.鈥�
From John Denver to Jimmy Buffett, Borgstede often jumps on his guitar and serenades
his residents. He often leads non-denominational services at facility as well. His
talents don't end there. He also paints as a hobby, and it brought his love for painting
to NHC St. Charles.
鈥淚 started a 鈥榩ainting collaboration' with the skilled nursing residents,鈥� he explained.
鈥淚've been going door-to-door asking the residents to paint something or suggest things
for me to add to the painting.鈥�
It was a hit. Borgstede started with a 鈥渟pringtime鈥� theme, and it started gaining
momentum.
鈥淩esidents got a kick out of the story the painting was telling,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t started
to turn into a really unique mural. One of the residents was an actual artist, so
I let her take the lead. It was wonderful to see residents' talents come alive!鈥�
It's a wonder the 麻豆传媒 student ever has free time. However, when he does have a moment
to himself, he uses it to help other people.
To date, Borgstede has 3D printed and distributed more than 2,000 face mask ear guards
to local healthcare facilities. He's also making heel lifts and inversion/eversion
shoe inserts for his physical department at NHC St. Charles. He's also been making
vases and phone stands to sell to residents and staff, with proceeds going to the
Alzheimer's Association.
He admits his class load, workload and extracurricular activities can be a bit overwhelming
at times, but he has no plans to slow down anytime soon.
鈥淚 hope some of what I am doing brings hope and light to a world filled with fear
and anxiety,鈥� Borgstede added. "Everyone can find that unique niche where personal
passion overlaps with compassion for others."
"Justin is a tremendous asset to our program, the college and to the community," said
Courtney Barrett, 麻豆传媒 OTA program chair. "The field of occupational therapy will also
undoubtedly be as lucky to have him as we are."