I have completed Preliminary Fieldwork Hours at several different locations so far…
- The first place that I volunteered for was the Hampton VA Hospital for veterans with disabilities. It was a really incredible experience working with so many amazing people who have sacrificed so much for our country. While volunteering there, I did a number of different things. The most memorable thing that I did was accompany the veterans and the recreational therapists on an outing to Walmart to get groceries. There were not a lot of people on the trip, so I was only paired up with one person. He was an older gentleman who was in a wheelchair, and he finished shopping before everyone else so we sat in the parking lot together and talked. I ended up finding out that his daughter was my age and also a therapeutic recreation major. He thanked me for helping out and told me how much of an incredible therapist I will make one day!
- I also volunteered at the Norfolk Parks and Recreation Department. When I completed hours here, I mainly helped with big events, like pool parties, or dances. One of the pool parties that I helped out at was for teenagers with cognitive and physical disabilities. This was so incredible for me, because one of my passions was swimming, and some of these teens had never even been in a pool before. That day I was able to combine TR and swimming, which are two of my main passions in life!
- The third place so far that I have completed hours with is the Williamsburg Landing. I volunteered for the most incredible recreational therapist, who I hope to intern for eventually! She made the experience so amazing for me, taught me so much about therapeutic recreation, and even let me take the lead on some activities. I have to admit I was a little nervous at first, because I was so used to helping, and taking on the assistant role, but I was so thankful that she pushed me out of my comfort zone, because I got so many compliments that day about how confident I seemed!