I started this program at a time in my life where I was struggling with what I wanted to pursue professionally. I went to UNCW undecided on my future and ended up falling in love with what recreation therapy is and how I saw it help people in a variety of populations. I enjoyed my volunteer work and learned a lot, but after graduation I struggled with finding a role that reminded me of that feeling and found myself wanting to pursue something more. After working in behavioral health I knew I needed a change and to find a way to enjoy what I do again. I still love recreation therapy but found myself looking for a way to expand my potential. The work I loved was mainly in the community setting and through sports. When I found this program I thought it would be a great way to elevate my professional experience while also being something that can relate to my recreation therapy degree, while giving me the opportunity to see if I could find another passion and to expand on the passion that already existed.
Deciding to start this program did not come lightly and came with many challenges as someone starting with relatively no experience in this field, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Although this program brought challenges, it was also extremely rewarding. The work put into each course throughout this program was hard, but taught me a lot. I learned a lot about this field and about myself while growing in my potential as a professional. Through this program and my new work experiences I have been able to find what I want to pursue as a profession. While in this program I experienced a job change and found a part time job that ignited a new passion that I did not know existed, both in parks and recreation as well as in sports. I have already had the opportunity to apply what I have learned in this program to my real life and look forward to continue to challenge myself moving forward.
I truly enjoyed my experience in this program and highly recommend it to anyone interested in this field. I was worried at first due to the online aspect of the program, but that did not prove to be a challenge like I initially thought. I had a great cohort throughout the program, amazing professors and TAs that have taught me a lot. As a working professional that went through this program, I highly recommend it for anyone interested in this field. I am sad to see this chapter of my life come to a close, but am ready for what comes next. I developed and acquired a variety of skills throughout my time in this program, and I feel prepared for anything that could come my way in my professional career thanks to this program.
Stephanie Cipolla's Portfolio 