Last month, my classmates and I from Kauri Academy had one of those days that sticks with you forever. We got to spend a day at Selwyn Village, and honestly, it was eye-opening in more ways than one.
At first, I thought it was just another film to watch, but it turned out to be so much more. The film didn’t just tell a story; it pulled us into the lives of those living with dementia, making us feel their struggles and triumphs in a way textbooks never could.
But the real magic happened when Michael Verde, the producer of the film, joined us. Having him there was like adding the perfect seasoning to an already amazing dish. After the credits rolled, Michael stood up and shared his insights on dementia care. His words were powerful—he talked about empathy, patience, and truly understanding the people we aim to help. It wasn’t just theory; he gave us real, practical ways to make a difference.
The Q&A session that followed was awesome. My friends and I were buzzing with questions, eager to learn more. Michael answered each one with such clarity and passion that it felt like he was speaking directly to us, encouraging us to take what we learned and apply it in our future careers.
Amidst all the learning, we also got to celebrate something special—Orquidea, our NZSDRT Inc. President, was turning a year older. Sharing flowers and smiles with everyone there was a beautiful reminder of how important community is, especially in the field of diversional therapy. Seeing everyone come together to honor Orquidea made the day feel even more meaningful.
Walking away from Selwyn Village, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. Not only did I gain valuable knowledge, but I also connected with amazing people who are passionate about making a difference. I’m so thankful to have experienced this with my peers. It’s days like these that fuel my passion for becoming a diversional therapist and reinforce the importance of compassion and connection in everything we do. Here’s to many more unforgettable moments on this journey!
Comments