Cheers to the Future

Sometimes I forget what it was that led me to this field. In all honesty it doesn’t matter. It matters more to me what keeps me in this field. I won’t earn a million dollars, most likely won’t win a presidential award, and I can kiss an Oscar goodbye. So no, it’s none of those things. It’s seeing the good in people. It’s seeing other people in this field for the same reasons. It’s watching change happen. Maybe the biggest reason is this, some days I need to know that overall, despite the media, people are good. Sometimes when I need that reaffirmation, that people are good, most in this world, it arrives. Whether it’s a smile, a laugh, a shared memory, or a funny story. Oddly enough, sometimes it comes in the form of a Facebook post. I would like to share a post from Riley McIntire. Riley is currently pursuing her degree at Slippery Rock University.

I have learned so much the past semester about what it means to be an advocate for people with disabilities, and I can honestly say I have never felt a stronger sense of reassurance than I do right now. I used to doubt my ability to go into recreational therapy, and I ignored the tug on my heart many of times. I was afraid I would not be good enough to work with people with disabilities, or that I would make mistakes. I have realized that mistakes will be made, but I truly believe I am where I am supposed to be. If I can be a friend to a person who needs one, or encourage independence in a person that needs an extra push, I’d be happy to be there for someone. I have become aware of the town I was raised in, and how ignorant it is to some of the principles of inclusion I have been learning. I’m sorry, but pulling the “Gen Z” card and saying how “sensitive”, “emotional”, and “easily offended” I am just because I mention that you should find a different word, or that you shouldn’t talk about someone in that way, is immature and just proves how rigid, unwilling to adapt, and discriminatory some people of different ages truly are. There are people my age out there completely ignorant to anything and everything inclusive as well. While some of it is not anybody’s fault due to the lack of exposure and education, I know there are people out there that know to do better than what they are doing. All I’m saying is I have made a promise to be an advocate for people with disabilities going into Recreational Therapy, and it is my duty to kindly educate. Please, wake up and realize that most people with disabilities can live a life just as “normal” as you, although nobody is “normal”. Please, look at all of the diversity around you. Please, adapt to the times, and see people as people first, not as a disability that does not define them. Please, see people’s abilities rather than their inabilities. Last but certainly not least, PLEASE find a different word.
With that being said, this semester was an adjustment and full of trials, but I’m starting to feel at home at SRU. Can’t wait to see where this journey leads me. 💚
Riley McIntire