Answering the Call With Therapeutic Recreation Internship
Working in health care is a calling and service to others, and, at Scottish Rite for Children, it is a call to serve children and their families. Students interested in the field of pediatric orthopedics have the unique opportunity at Scottish Rite to learn firsthand from experts in their designated fields.
For Shetorsia, this calling began while exploring her interests in health care at Jackson State University. Shetorsia, of Indianola, Mississippi, is in her last year of college and is the current intern for Scottish Rite’s Therapeutic Recreation department. With a desire to have hands-on experience, she began considering a career in therapeutic recreation, thanks to her academic advisor and professor.
“One of the last things left for me to complete at the end of my courses was an internship,” Shetorsia says. “However, I had no idea where I’d end up. I didn’t have a car or family nearby, and I lived on campus. My options felt slim.”
Through her professor, Shetorsia discovered the therapeutic recreation internship at Scottish Rite. This internship is a 14-week program which allows students to work under the guidance of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
During her interview with the Director of Therapeutic Recreation Dana Dempsey, Shetorsia immediately felt a connection and the opportunity she was looking for.
“From the moment I read Scottish Rite’s mission statement on the website, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was the right place for me,” Shetorsia says. “I had no experience working with children in a health care environment, but I was determined to show Dana my dedication.”
Shetorsia spent her summer volunteering at Camp Joint Adventure and Camp TLC. These camps offer Scottish Rite patients an opportunity to just be a kid and to experience camp with others who have similar medical diagnoses. For Shetorsia, these camps gave her firsthand experience in how to support children as they navigate new activities and build self-confidence. At the end of the summer, Shetorsia was accepted into the internship program.
“I couldn’t believe I had done it,” Shetorsia says. “I proved to myself that I am capable and worthy of these opportunities. This entire experience has taught me the value of perseverance, preparation and faith when faced with uncertainty.”
During her time as Scottish Rite’s therapeutic recreation intern, Shetorsia had the opportunity to work with inpatients and outpatients, as well as assist with community outreach programs and camps. While an internship is typically a brief chapter in a young professional’s journey, its impact can be everlasting.
“The incredible women in the therapeutic recreation department have inspired me in more ways than they’ll ever know,” Shetorsia says. “I couldn’t have asked for a better place to learn and grow, and I am so thankful for this opportunity and journey.”
While Shetorsia’s internship has ended, her career is just beginning. She is preparing to become a CTRS by studying for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification exam. The possibilities are endless for what Shetorsia can accomplish, and we are excited to see her carry on the Scottish Rite way in whichever path she takes.
the eye and seek to understand their needs to best serve them. We give children back their childhood.” Having been a treasured staple within the North Texas community for over a century (established in 1921), Scottish Rite for Children continues to soar as a world-renowned leader in treating pediatric orthopedic conditions, and its patients are traveling here from all over the map. “Not only does Scottish Rite have a strong presence in the Dallas community, but it is also known for its excellence in patient experience nationally,” shares president and CEO for Scottish Rite for Children’s Bob Walker. “This year, NRC Health honored Scottish Rite for Children with the Excellence in Patient Experience Award for the eighth time in the nationwide pediatric category. Honorees are recognized for their efforts to consistently deliver outstanding patient experiences.” And, deliver they certainly do—with grace and gusto. From scoliosis, clubfoot, hand differences, and hip disorders, the compassionate team of experts’ unwavering commitment to children goes beyond the physical sense. They adhere to address three critical pillars for every child— the body, mind, and spirit. Offering a bevy of individualized therapies with inimitable in-house specialists, every child receives a regimen tailor-made to them. An additional component to adding a sense of playfulness to keep children in good disposition, the hospital hosts a myriad of recreational programs and specialized sports. With three locations within North Texas, the Dallas location is the largest—871,000 square feet perched on 15 acres of land.
