This Veterans Day, Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) proudly honors Emily “Emy” Kenser, a second-year student whose journey from military service to occupational therapy reflects resilience, transformation, and a deep commitment to meaningful service.
For nearly a decade, Emy served as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army—a role she describes as one of her most meaningful occupations. When a medical disqualification ended her flying career, Emy faced a profound personal transition. “I realized how central occupations are to identity and well-being,” she shares. “My transition from military service to occupational therapy was inspired by my desire to continue serving others in a meaningful way.”
Emy’s military experience shaped her perspective as a future OT in powerful ways. “Losing my ability to fly gave me a personal understanding of how losing access to a meaningful occupation can impact identity, well-being, and life satisfaction,” she says. “My time in the Army taught me to navigate transitions, loss, and reintegration—experiences that OTs help clients navigate every day.”
Her journey at Duke OTD has already been marked by moments of deep connection and growth. After giving birth to her child in February 2025, Emy experienced firsthand the strength of her cohort’s support. “Balancing pregnancy, delivery, academics, and the transition to motherhood was challenging, but my peers stepped in with encouragement, flexibility, practical help, and love,” she recalls. “It taught me that resilience can be collective and that fostering an environment of dignity and empowerment can make all the difference in someone’s journey.”
For Emy, Veterans Day is not just a time to reflect—it’s a moment to honor the ongoing evolution of service members. “It marks the shift from one chapter of life to another,” she says. “Veterans are not defined solely by their past, but by how they continue to contribute to families, communities, and professions in the present.”
Emy’s life is a tapestry of roles—soldier, wife, mother, Ironman athlete, baker, musician, and student. Each role has shaped her identity and deepened her understanding of purpose.
“Identity isn’t built in a single moment,” she reflects. “It is forged across many occupations, both ordinary and extraordinary. What I carry forward is the understanding that meaning comes from living these roles fully.”
As she continues her journey at Duke OTD, Emy brings with her the discipline, adaptability, and compassion honed through years of service and life experience. Her story is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of occupational therapy—and the enduring strength of those who choose to dedicate themselves to serving others.
