‘The dream is to make a difference,’ says ATSU-ASHS Occupational Therapy program student
Posted: October 7, 2025
A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program student David Zavala, MSOT, ’26, has a pretty straightforward goal.
“The dream is to make a difference,” he said. “Whatever that looks like, that’s the goal.”
Zavala believes ATSU-ASHS is the place to provide him the tools and support needed to realize that dream, in whatever form it ultimately takes.
“I thought it was amazing that ATSU has a pro bono clinic to help the underserved population,” he said. “Everything that the program stood for and represented simply fit my beliefs. I felt this program would allow me to grow and become the best OT I could be.
“My passion for OT stems from my own experience with taking care of my grandfather. I want people to live better quality lives and I hope to be the person that can bring light to anyone’s life, no matter their circumstances. I would say ATSU has prepared me for this by instilling in me the idea of whole person healthcare.”
Zavala, of Bakersfield, California, graduated from California State University, Bakersfield, with a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology. At ATSU, he serves as Hand Therapy Special Interest Section Lead with the Student Occupational Therapy Association, a student mentor, and a student ambassador.
“I joined these leadership roles to step out of my comfort zone,” he said. “I essentially forced myself into these positions because it was not something I would normally do. I felt these organizations would help me grow as an individual and make connections with my peers that will play a role in how I treat future patients. I have enjoyed being in these organizations as they have taught me how to not only lead, but to work with others on a team. All things that are important for my future as an OT.
“I became a student ambassador to help make the transition into grad school as easy as possible for incoming students. I wanted to represent my program authentically and give honest insight into what to expect from the program. As orientation week gets closer, I know it can be scary and exciting at the same time. I wanted to make it less scary for new students because this is a great experience regardless of how hard it may be. I feel that starting off the right way can make the biggest difference.”
Zavala loves music, listing his hobbies as “music, music, and more music.” He collects vinyl and has a goal to visit all of the record stores in the Mesa, Arizona area.
“That’s been a big part of my culture and is essentially my therapy,” he said.
When he isn’t enjoying tunes, Zavala is thoroughly enjoying his experience as an ATSU student.
“Being an ATSU student has been great all around. I enjoy how much my professors care about my education and my well-being. I love that the size of the program allows for more personal connections and I feel that I am more than just a student here,” he said.