Mary Granite came to Woods in March 2010 with a desire to gain Occupational Therapy experience. She is planning on going back to school to earn a Master’s in OT and was hoping Woods would provide her with an opportunity for hands-on learning. Fortunately, we were able to place her in the Occupational Therapy Department and, according to Mr. Joe Campbell, the Senior Occupational Therapist, Ms. Granite has done an excellent job. She “is willing to accept assignments and work with multiple therapists, as well as demonstrating a high degree of respect for the people who live and receive services here at Woods.” She has worked with multiple occupational therapists and often takes the initiative to set up observations with new therapists. She quickly builds rapport with staff and is respectful of the therapists’ need to perform their duties.
Ms. Granite shares:
"When I first came to Woods,
I wasn't sure what to expect and what would be expected
of me. I only knew that I had
a strong desire to work with the students at Woods and the Occupational Therapy staff,
to help in any way I could. I had no idea what I would gain from the experience! (After all, isn’t the meaning of volunteering giving?)
From the minute I arrived at Woods, I felt a sense of belonging. I remarked at how welcome the staff and students made me feel. Big smiles and warm greetings, I have come to understand, are typical at Woods.
I have spent most of my volunteer hours at the Gardner Education Center. The halls of Gardner bubble with LIFE! Giggling, laughter and singing often fill the air and the mood is contagious! During OT sessions, there is much work to be done. The competency and professionalism of each OT is obvious and admirable. I marvel at what they are able to achieve in every session. From my initial observation, the sessions appeared to be functional lessons in story writing or job skills preparation. However, with each day at Woods, I have gained valuable insight. I now know that the OT sessions are much, much more than just a transfer of information from staff to student. At Woods, the OT staff exhibits exemplary qualities of compassion, empathy and sincere commitment. They focus on the individual’s abilities, not their disabilities, and most importantly, they acknowledge the whole individual with respect, addressing intellectual, emotional and physical challenges. They inspire learning through caring. The students undoubtedly benefit from this positive environment. Their growth intellectually and emotionally, as well as the great strides they make toward personal independence, is measurable. In addition, if that’s not enough to convince you of Woods’ upbeat, positive learning environment, just listen to the giggles and laughter in the halls!
Volunteering at Woods has had what I refer to as a “boomerang” effect. Yes, I have been able to help others learn and grow. But I feel I have gained much more! I have the opportunity to work with Woods’ talented staff and very special students. In the process, I have learned more about myself. I have been inspired to pursue my graduate degree as an Occupational Therapist. And in the true spirit of Woods, I hope to inspire more people to volunteer, and challenge them to experience what volunteering can do for them!”
Mr. Campbell concludes, “Ms. Granite’s humanistic curiosity about meeting the needs of people with different abilities, as well as her intellectual curiosity of trying to understand the nature of, and treatment approaches for, different disabilities, will serve her well as she pursues a career in occupational therapy.”
Thank you, Mary for your dedication and commitment!
