When Madison “Maddie” Ferguson, MOT ’25, took the stage at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) summer commencement ceremony, she spoke with both humility and conviction. For Ferguson, earning her Master of Occupational Therapy degree wasn’t just an academic milestone — it was the fulfillment of a lifelong calling.
“I grew up on five acres in the middle of nowhere in St. Cloud, Florida, with a dream of helping others,” Ferguson said. “I knew early on that I wanted a career grounded in purpose.”
That purpose began to take shape when she was just 8 years old, volunteering with Challenger Baseball, an inclusive program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In high school, she served as president of Best Buddies, a national nonprofit that advocates for inclusion in schools and communities.
“In my hometown, OTs were few and far between, but through those experiences, I saw just how much our profession was needed,” she recalled. “I knew I had found my path.”
Discovering Occupational Therapy as a Calling
Ferguson’s passion deepened during her undergraduate years at the University of South Florida, where she led the Future Occupational Therapists of America. Around that same time, her grandmother was diagnosed with ALS.
“Watching her lose function and seeing how it affected not only her but our entire family, solidified that this was more than just a profession — it was a calling,” she said.
A campus tour of USAHS sealed the deal. “After my first visit, I knew that I was at home here,” Ferguson said.
Leadership and Service at USAHS
At USAHS, Ferguson quickly distinguished herself as both a student and a leader. She served as a class representative, student ambassador, Community Service Chair, and ultimately president of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA).
“Being the president of SOTA opened my eyes to the importance of advocating not only for our profession but also for those who cannot advocate for themselves,” she said. Under her leadership, SOTA members volunteered at community events, participated in charity races, and worked with families in need.
She also embraced hands-on learning opportunities at the Center for Innovative Clinical Practice (CICP), earning a healthcare simulation student certification. “If OT doesn’t work out,” she joked during her speech, “I have a solid acting career to pursue.”
A Journey of Resilience
Reflecting on her graduate journey, Ferguson acknowledged the challenges that she and her classmates faced: long nights of studying, demanding practicals, clinical fieldwork anxiety, financial sacrifices, and even personal losses.
“Behind every cap and gown here today is a story,” she said. “Stories of persistence, passion, and power. We showed up again and again. We leaned on each other, picked each other up, and never stopped believing that the work we’re called to do is worth it.”
Looking Ahead
For Ferguson, the heart of occupational therapy lies in its versatility.
“One of the things I love most about OT is its ability to touch lives across the lifespan,” she said. “From the beginning of life to the end, we have the privilege to walk with people through some of their most vulnerable moments, and that is incredibly humbling.”
She credits her family, faculty, and classmates for supporting her throughout her journey and looks forward to returning to USAHS one day as a professor.
“It’s my dream to come back and teach,” Ferguson said. “If I can make even a fraction of the impact my professors made on me, I’ll consider that a great success.”
As she and her classmates prepare for boards and careers ahead, Ferguson carries with her a simple reminder: “You are prepared. You are capable. And you’ve already proven that you can do hard things. So go out there and change the world — one patient at a time.”
