Between classes: Fiona Milis
Therapeutic Recreation Diploma Program
Valedictorian Fiona Milis
Name of your program and graduating class:
Therapeutic Recreation Diploma Program, 2010
Career goals:
I see myself working in administration or management of a Therapeutic Recreation Department, as well as teaching workshops and seminars on the side.
Personal goals:
To get my degree in Therapeutic Recreation, to build awareness of the Therapeutic Recreation profession, and be a mother. This spring, I will be continuing my training through Douglas College’s Therapeutic Recreation degree program, but in another five years I will be working in the field and raising a family.
Career changes:
I worked as a graphic designer and project manager in the advertising field for 10 years. I chose it for the salary, but I wasn’t passionate about it and I was getting burnt out. I felt as though I had nurturing qualities that weren’t being utilized in a field that was focused on the bottom line and product market growth. I wanted to work in Therapeutic Recreation because I am passionate about helping others and I felt that I had some experience that I could draw from. Now I can utilize my management skills in the field of Therapeutic Recreation! That’s the thing about education – it is never a waste of time or money. It can only be a building block for your future.
Why Douglas?
I volunteered with older adults, people with disabilities and with new immigrant women in the summer of 2008 and loved all the experiences. I knew that working with people was what I wanted to do. The Therapeutic Recreation program at Douglas College had such a good reputation, so the choice was easy. It hasn’t been easy going back to school at the age of 35, but I feel like it has been the best decision of my life.
Best Instructors
All of my instructors were amazing. They all have stood by me, to be encouraging and to help me learn and grow. If it wasn’t for Janice Spencer telling me about the Millennium Excellence award, I wouldn’t have applied and won a $4,500 scholarship! Geri Patterson’s “tough love” teaching style prepared me well for the field. Tricia Rachfall is blessed with the genes of being an amazing instructor, and Julie Roper’s communications classes were invaluable.
If I could go back in time, what would I tell your 17-year-old self?
Don’t be scared of failure, because failing only eliminates an option of where you are not meant to be, which then brings you clarity, and another step closer to where you ought to be.
What advice do you have for your fellow grads?
To turn challenges and failure into learning experiences, follow your passion and always do your best!
Role model
Lee Chamberland is one of my instructors who took a leave of absence from teaching to develop her Life Coach business. She leads by example and practices what she preaches. She is so positive, honest and open. Spend five minutes with Lee, and you’ll feel respected, inspired and heard. I hope that one day I can be half of the person that she is.
Links
Information Sessions
Therapeutic Recreation Department
More feature stories
Published June 10, 2010
