Meet Angel, Student, Therapeutic Recreation

“I chose this program with the goal of helping children in palliative care and chronic pain/illness.
As an Alumni of Recreation and Leisure Services, I was interested in continuing my education with therapeutic recreation in hopes to enhance the lives of others through recreation and leisure programs. Ultimately, I chose this program to not only better the lives of my future clients but to also provide a great sense of meaning and purpose in my own life.
I am beyond impressed with the blended delivery aspect of this program. The accommodation to be able to attend class from home has been a great factor to my success in this program. The professors have been accommodating and respectful of our choice to work from home and above all have made us feel welcomed and included in the class.
Lastly, I am impressed with the positivity and encouragement the professors offer to ensure we stay guided on the right path as we go into our placements. The amount of support and acknowledgement is admirable and I cannot thank them enough.
I have enjoyed the assignments offered throughout the program. It is a great mix of both individual and teamwork assignments which offer great insight to our future careers.
I have also enjoyed how organized and accessible Brightspace is to use when accessing and submitting assignments. I personally enjoy the “Pulse” app as it allows me to stay on track with my assignments and tasks without falling behind. Lastly I have enjoyed the sense of community our cohort has developed over such a short period of time. We have connected from the very beginning and are always ensuring that we help one another so that we all succeed.
We have completed placement yet but have began the process. In doing so, we have began research, interviews and for some, secured placement spots. I am extremely thankful for my coordinator in this program for helping guide me and keep me on track when securing my placement. She assured me of the process and help decrease my stress and anxiety.
After graduation I hope to begin a new career in a palliative care or chronic pain setting working directly with children and youth. I hope to provide lasting memories regardless of the outcome they may endure. I hope to make a difference in their lives through laughter, happiness and positivity.
If you are considering this program I would encourage you to set goals for yourself and what you hope to achieve in your future. Our field is not easily understood so it’s important for you to acknowledge that therapeutic recreation looks different for every individual. I believe the amazing atmosphere that Algonquin College has provided to students and the professors will help individuals easily decide to take this program. Our program is so incredibly important and it on the rise for greatness. Educating others on how we are beneficial to others is a key factor for people who want to enroll in this program. With the tools and knowledge provided throughout the program, we can easily help promote our program to others.
I cannot talk highly enough about this program. I see the connection it has to offer to individuals that ensures inclusivity, diversity and adaptivity through recreation and leisure programs. I am thankful of the choice I made when enrolling into this program and cannot wait to see what the rest of the term and future holds.
If I could describe my experience at Algonquin College in one word it would be: Phenomenal“
– Angel, Student, 2025