Growth Journal - Shona Collinson

Someone seen something in me that I never knew I could be.

I was employed in a rest home as a laundry person. My manager came to me one day after I had worked there a few months and told me that my talents were wasted in the laundry, that I should go upstairs and watch what the recreational ladies do, as she felt that that was my calling. I observed the interactions but didn’t feel that I was smart enough to take on any studies. I had left school in the 4^th form and only had life experiences to fall back on. After 6 months of being told this by her, I gave in and decided to at least try to study, what did I have to lose. Also, as 3 other ladies were about to start studying the New Zealand Apprenticeship in Community Facilitation Level 4 Diversional and Recreational Therapy course through career force, I asked them if they would mind mentoring me until I felt confident in myself to continue after making a start.

We actually formed a weekly study session after work, which assisted us all to continue growing throughout the year of study. When one felt inadequate the others would pick you up. I was fortunate to work alongside Rebecca Frechtling who showed me that leisure activities should be meaningful, they should light the spirit and soul. Rebbeca works with compassion and great care of her residents giving them a purpose to get up in the mornings, this is shown by the light in their eyes, smile on their faces and willingness to share their stories with her whenever she enters the room. I feel that I have grown immensely in my role, from having no knowledge at all of this profession or choice of career to being a part of the New Zealand Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapist Inc for 3 years now.

I have attended conferences, webinars, education days, up skilled and continued to grow within myself to assist the people in my care to live their best life, continuing to enjoy and participate in their own individual desires of leisure activities in any way possible for them to get the most out of the experience.

I feel that the challenges that I have overcome are my own feelings of not being able to adequately enrich the lives of those in my care. I would hate to let them down. That inner voice that keeps asking are you good enough. I have learnt from these moments of self-doubt. My support systems and the people that are in them mean the world to me. They keep me focused and wanting to better myself in my workplace. From supportive colleagues, family and friends along with the DT monthly support meetings, staying in contact with likeminded people keeps the passion alive when hearing of things that they have tried and have worked, the conference, webinars, facebook NZSDRT page, inventing new interactive brain activities, all provide me with new ideas to keep growing in the role.

I have completed Diversional and Recreational Therapy level 5 through Kalandra this year, in November I graduate. I continue to grow in my role each day. My life has now taken on a permanent role of self-growth, practicing gratitude, morning pages, reflections, and journaling all assist me to continue growing and learning. As I find myself employed as a team leader, my responsibilities have grown along with my passion for the role. I have had to learn to be empathetic, patient and always present. I have gained confidence in leading activities, changing my idea of ‘doing activities’ to facilitating meaningful person-centred engagement, with the ever-changing needs of my residents. I have had to grow and interact with different cultures, which has enhanced my abilities to communicate effectively and confidently with different people.

I understand diverse need requirements when making individual care plans to benefit the resident in a holistic environment. I feel that I still have a lot to learn, and continue to grow in my profession, once I have built up my confidence, I would like to enhance my presence within this role somehow. I don’t know yet what my end goal is going to be. I believe the universe will show me the way forward and I just have to make the right choice at the right time. I always say, if I had heard about this profession earlier on in life, this is the career path that I would have chosen.

Put it out there and you shall receive, everything happens when it is meant to, then it all falls into place if it really is meant to be.

Look at where I am today.

Someone seen something in me that I never knew I could be.