As an occupational therapy student, a marathon runner, and a member of the honors program, it is no secret that Leah Wies likes a challenge. This semester, she has added a second job, another unique challenge, to her life.
For 20-25 hours a month, Leah works with a local teenager with Ring 21, a rare chromosome disorder that affects development and learning. “I provide care and help him complete activities of daily living. He loves to swim at the YMCA, get balloons from Dollar General, blow bubbles, and play hide and seek.” Leah believes that having this hands-on experience will make all the difference in her studies to become an occupational therapist. “I have learned the process you have to go through in order to learn how to help someone.” Unlike ever-changing therapy sessions at a care center, Leah is able to dedicate herself fully to one person’s care—a great way to learn the skills necessary for her future career. “It’s been great to have such stability throughout this learning experience.”
Her favorite part? “Communicating and connecting with someone in a way that I’m not used to. Also, I love seeing the way the community reacts to him. People will come up and say hello, especially if they recognize him from the YMCA or something. Kids tend to be very careful with him; they always want to hold the door open or help in another way. Even his pets act a certain way around him. Everyone wants to be a part of his life, and that’s so interesting to see.”
Aside from hands-on experience in her field, Leah has learned a few life lessons. “He has taught me to always appreciate the little things, like balloons and ice cream. Never take anything for granted.”