Between classes: Mary Benson

Therapeutic Recreation Diploma

Education:

Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Diploma, 1992

Currently:

Member of the Cross Country Ski team, Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games

Personal goals:

To be on the podium with a medal at the 2010 Paralympics

My role model is:

Trevor Linden, retired Vancouver Canuck, because he played to the best of his ability every game.  He gave back to the community and always has time for his fans. He is a class act - never outwardly complained when he was traded or had his minutes cut. A true sportsman.

What I do to relax:

I love to be in the garden or walking in the woods. Nature provides me with peace.

How nervous are you about competing in March?

I am sure I will be very excited.  I have family and friends coming from all over Canada to watch me race. Ask me after my races.

How do you psyche yourself up for a race?

I ski the course over and over and actually write down what I am going to do at each section of the course. Then I review it in my head over and over and visualize myself skiing it successfully.

I understand you started to learn to ski again in 2004 after a brain injury you got in 1999 - how were you injured? 

I had a severe reaction to a prescribed medication I was given.  It basically short circuited my brain and I have brain damage in a few different areas as a result.

How did getting injured impact your career?

I was working at Yaletown House Society as the Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator at the time of my injury. The injury ended my career. I can no longer work because of my lack of short-term memory, ability to plan and follow through. I still become very confused in busy places and I have difficulty reading and writing.

What made you choose the TR Program at Douglas? 

I was a helper by nature. My brother is also a recreation therapist in Victoria. I used to volunteer with him at work. I guess he saw my potential and said, "Why don't you look up the program at Douglas College?"

What's your favourite memory of studying at Douglas?

I won the Peg Connolly Scholarship - it is a prestigious scholarship and I was the first Canadian to be awarded it. It involved going to the ATRA Conference in Spokane Washington, all expenses paid. Along with my classmates, we raised enough money for the whole class to attend. So, we went on a road-trip as a class and it was such a bonding experience. We also learned that our diploma from Douglas College gave us a better TR education than a lot of degree programs in the USA. It was a very empowering conference for the whole class.

Why do you think it's important for Douglas TR students to be involved with the Paralympics?

You will see ‘disability' in a whole new light. Athletes competing in the Paralympics are really no different than their able-bodied counterparts. We have the same dreams and aspirations to be on the podium for Canada. We train just as hard and sweat the same amount and give the same effort. It will be an experience of a lifetime for anyone involved.

Any advice for new therapeutic recreation practitioners?

Yes, see the people you work with as individuals. Plan for the person, not the program. Always follow your dreams and take time for yourself so that you can be there for the people whose lives you are trying to enhance.

Links:

Information Sessions
Therapeutic Recreation Department
Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games
Cross Country Canada
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