7 weeks ago we were gifted a Rec Student.
The last 7 weeks of an RT diploma program, the students are placed with community organizations on a full time (40 hours/week) basis for 7 straight weeks. The goal is to gain experience in the field, practice their facilitation skills, complete core competencies (Assessment, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation, etc.).
So the day my student came to our program was the exact mark of one year ago when I started MY placement. It was so surreal to have the opportunity to help further a student in their learning experience and get them ready for the real world of Recreation. And OMG were we lucky.
Not only was she a mature student, but she is intelligent, kind, organized and so passionate and motivated. She ROCKED her placement. I have to say it was so amazing having an extra set of hands with the clients, having someone to bounce ideas off of, having support for challenging programs and client behaviours as well as having new and fresh ideas. There have been so many new techniques and methods as well as theories since I was a student (even only a year ago) that having a student of my own allowed me insight on what is changing and a new perspective.
I enjoyed every single minute of having a student. Being part of her supervisory team and a 'professional' for her to ask questions to, bounce ideas off of, help guide her in her assignments and so on...It was beyond rewarding for me.
When I first found out we were getting a student I was SO PUMPED. But having a student for 7 weeks and having her become a friend in the process just reminded me of how my internship experience was with my placement supervisor. It validated my abilities and my knowledge as a 'professional' even though some days I still feel like the "Young one that is still new"
On Friday, we said goodbye to our amazing student as she embarks on her career. I could not be prouder of her! She will be an ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC Recreation Therapist. It will be extremely hard to go back to before she came along because she really did go above and beyond.
I encourage anyone that has the opportunity to take a student or a volunteer that it IS WORTH IT!!! They will teach you just as much as you teach them (OMG that's so corny but it's true). Give them the chance and they will surprise you! They need our support to strive and succeed!
Can't wait for my next student, but this one will truly be missed. By myself and the clients.
Hoping to be coworkers someday. Good Luck!
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