Program Reflection
Participating in the LeADERS program through the Old Dominion University Recreational Therapy program has been a very meaningful part of my college experience. Throughout the program, I learned a lot through hands-on intervention classes, service-learning opportunities, and my internship experience. One of the most interesting things I discovered was how much recreational therapy can positively impact people’s lives. I also learned more about myself, especially my ability to communicate, lead activities, and adapt to different situations. Learning about disability culture helped me better understand the importance of inclusion, respect, and advocating for individuals with disabilities.
Some of the most challenging moments came during hands-on experiences where I had to step outside of my comfort zone and lead interventions. It was sometimes difficult learning how to work with different personalities and needs while still keeping activities engaging and organized. My internship at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in the behavioral health unit was also challenging because I was working directly with patients experiencing mental health challenges. Even though these moments were difficult, they helped me become more confident, patient, and professional.
Some of the most powerful learning moments came from being able to apply what I learned in class to real-life experiences. Through service-learning projects and intervention classes, I was able to see how recreational therapy activities can improve a person’s emotional, social, and physical well-being. I also learned about management within a recreational therapy department, which taught me about leadership, teamwork, and the responsibilities involved in running programs successfully. These experiences helped me better understand the field and prepared me for my future career.
The most important thing I learned personally is the importance of empathy and creating meaningful connections with others. This program showed me that recreational therapy is about more than just activities; it is about helping people feel supported, included, and valued. If I could go through the program again, I would push myself to be more involved and step outside of my comfort zone earlier. Overall, the LeADERS program helped me grow both personally and professionally, and it confirmed my passion for becoming a recreational therapist.