Deciding what you want to go to college for is a huge decision to make. I was a Senior in high school and I still had no idea what I wanted to do. All my friends knew exactly what they wanted to go to college for. I felt lost. I decided to just apply to my community college and decide what I would do while I was there.
At the end of my Senior year of high school, I went on a mission trip to Guatemala. I went to help at a children's school for kids that live in the city dump. While there I met this guy who asked me what I was going to college for. I told him I had no idea. He asked me what I liked to do. I thought about it, and listed some of my hobbies; hiking, fishing, camping, sports, being active, etc. The last thing I said was "helping people". He said, "I know exactly what you should do. Recreational Therapy." I had no idea what that was. He briefly described it and I thought it sounded interesting but I didn't completely understand. The rest of the trip went on and then I returned back home.
I started class at my community college and had almost forgotten my conversation in Guatemala. As my first year was coming to an end I knew I had to decide what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I wanted to go to a University, but I still wasn't sure what for. One night I decided to really think about it and while doing some research I remembered that one conversation, so I googled it.
Recreational Therapy: "Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being." In other words, it is a type of Therapy that uses Recreation to meet the needs of individuals with various illnesses.
I thought to myself, "THIS IS AMAZING!" Nothing sounded more perfect for me. Using activities to help people meet their needs? What could be any better! I finally knew what I wanted to do. This was it. I was done researching and I knew this is what I needed to do with my life.
I found a college in New York that offered Therapeutic Recreation and I applied to SUNY Cortland. Nothing was scarier than waiting for my letter to come in the mail. Weeks went by and my letter came. I was accepted!
Now I am a senior in College studying one of the more interesting fields I have ever heard of. Every day when I get to class I just can't wait to learn more. I am excited about getting out there and being a CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.)
It's not the most well-known profession, but it is an important one. Once I graduate I will have the opportunity to give people, of all backgrounds, the chance to live an Independent Leisure Lifestyle, no matter their age, disability, or mental state.
Every time I meet someone new and they ask what I am going to school for I smile before I say Therapeutic Recreation and I wait for the reply, "What is that?"
