Brooke Breyfogle

Responsibilities

During my internship, I planned, prepared, and led activities for residents in assisted living and memory care, including leading daily exercise classes. I created activity materials and promotional posters, distributed calendars and newsletters, encouraged and escorted residents to programs, and adapted activities to meet residents’ individual abilities and interests. I also collaborated with the Life Enrichment team, built relationships with residents, and supported special events and daily programming.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment was the meaningful connections I built with the residents throughout my internship. I was also proud that, for five days, I was solely responsible for the Life Enrichment department’s activities. I independently led exercise classes, organized and facilitated activities, encouraged resident participation, and handled the daily schedule successfully. This experience showed me how much my confidence, leadership, and independence had grown.

Learning experience

The greatest lesson I learned was that building meaningful relationships with residents is just as important as planning and leading activities. Taking the time to learn their interests, routines, and individual needs helped me create more enjoyable and inclusive experiences. I also learned to trust myself, take initiative, adapt when plans changed, and communicate confidently with residents and coworkers.

What advice would you give?

My advice to future students in my major is to communicate openly and advocate for yourself. If you do not share your needs, concerns, or goals, others cannot understand what you are experiencing or know how to support you. Do not shy away from asking for extra help; it is always better to ask, try, and learn than to remain unsure and miss an opportunity to improve.