How Emily Mathieson (BASc ‘24, BTR ‘26) Passionately Supports Others Within the Recreation Therapy and Disability Field

Inspired by her time as a disability support worker, Emily Mathieson (BASc ‘24, BTR ‘26) shares her journey discovering the therapeutic recreation program and its meaningful purpose.

I have always been passionate about supporting individuals with disabilities so this program seemed like the natural next step for me.

Meet Emily | Compassionate. Ambitious. Creative

Program: Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation

Why did you choose your program of study?

After graduating with my Bachelor of Arts and Science in Psychology and Sociology in 2024, I was unsure what career path to pursue. Shortly after graduating, a coworker through my job as a disability support worker told me about the therapeutic recreation program. I had not heard of therapeutic recreation prior to that conversation. She told me that recreation therapists enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities, illnesses or chronic conditions by supporting them in engaging in recreation and leisure. I applied to the Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation program that same day!

How have your professors or mentors influenced your learning and personal growth?

As a degree transfer student, I felt as though I lagged behind many of my peers who had obtained their diploma in therapeutic recreation at Lethbridge Polytechnic. This caused me to doubt whether the program was right for me. The wonderful instructors in the Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation program instilled confidence in me and helped me work through the imposter syndrome I experienced. They were kind enough to meet me — and the other degree transfer students — where we were and support us along our therapeutic recreation journey. I will be forever grateful for their encouragement.

They reminded me that I have transferable skills and knowledge from my previous degree and experience working in the disability field, which helped boost my confidence and enhance my learning experience.

Who has inspired you and how?

Each day, I am inspired by the individuals I support within the recreation therapy and disability field. I am continually inspired by the resilience, strength, humour and growth I witness every day. The individuals I support have taught me the importance of patience, empathy, adaptability and celebrating small victories.

What has been your most memorable or meaningful experience at ULethbridge so far? 

I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the executive team of the ULethbridge chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society.

Through this role, I made meaningful connections with other students and faculty members and engaged in exciting events on campus and in the community. My most memorable experience was volunteering to decorate Christmas trees at a local seniors centre through the Golden Key — it was such a positive experience engaging with the residents and spreading Christmas cheer!

Have you received any scholarships or awards?

I have received a variety of scholarships throughout my seven years at the University of Lethbridge. These scholarships helped alleviate some of the financial stress of being a post-secondary student. Though I worked throughout my post-secondary career, I still found it difficult at times to afford the cost of tuition and textbooks. To all students or future students reading this — I strongly recommend applying for as many scholarships as you can to help ease the financial stress of your education!

What advice would you share with new students about to begin their TREC journey at ULethbridge?

Don’t put so much pressure on yourself! If you don’t know what you want to do with your life, that is okay — no one has their life fully figured out. Try to enjoy the full university experience without fixating solely on grades. Join a club! Talk to someone you don’t know! Try to take in every moment of this journey, as it goes by in the blink of an eye. And most importantly, make sure to incorporate some self-care and self-compassion along the way. You’ve got this!

What dreams, goals or plans are you most excited to pursue after your time at ULethbridge?

After graduating, I am excited to take a break from studying, essays and exams and to officially enter the next chapter of my life! I also look forward to taking the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) exam and earning my Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential.

It is my dream to work in the field as a Recreation Therapist for individuals with mental health challenges and addictions.

I look forward to applying my knowledge from my previous degree and enhancing the lives of those in psychiatric settings. If I end up missing being in school, I might even consider pursuing my master’s degree!