Man or Woman

[Guest Tinki]

So far in my career I have seen mostly women in this field and I think it is wonderful that there are men working as AD's!

 

If you are a man - we would love to know how you got involved with Activities!

 

Karen

[BartMan 0]

Well Karen & others , in a time long long ago in a place very far away , oooooops wrong story. Seriously though , I started off as a volunteer in a VA Hospital fourteen years ago when my Father became ill with cancer. I'd

quit my job as an road construction worker to help my Mother take care of him. I use to take the Veterans outside to smoke their ciggs and would listen to all their war stories. I was like , Geeeez this is really cooool helping people. Also I would do that to pass the time away and keep my mind from going crazy knowing that I was going to lose my best friend soon to that dreadful cancer. Anyway , when it was all said and done and I got back to Tallahassee I enrolled in a nursing program , I worked in a nursing home for about a year after I graduated and would always be the first one to the Activity room when my work was complete. The Act. Dept always counted on me to help them with the outings and to get Residents to the Activity room. Well soon I got so good at it that I transferred departments , quit nursing and became an Activity Assistant , did that for about a year and decided that was what I wanted to do for a career and became the Activity Director for where I work now. Would not change any choices I have made in life , (well except for that time when I , Ummmmmmmmmm nevermind)............. I Love what I do !!!! And like Gina Salazar's Motto , "I have never really worked a day in my life" well , since I found my passion that is................ Good Day , BartMan (Don't forget to smile)

[Pennie 26]

Hey Bartman,

I have read several posting from you ok lots anyway I never would have put you into the construction worker field. You so don't fit the image I have of them. But from what I have read from you you have made the correct choice for your chosen career. The residents & AD world are the winners & lucky folks for having gotten you. I hate the way that you had to get into the profession, as I also lost my Dad to cancer. It was tough but being an AD working with the elders helped me understand with his loss & even more now dealing with a 73 yr old mom that can drive me nuts at time! Anyway thanks for the great story I really enjoyed reading it. Now if I can get Miguel & Big Chris to write stories & post them. How about he rest of you men? I know we have more out there, several of you are enrolled in our on-line courses.

Later folks

Pennie

[BartMan 0]

Hey Pennie , how are ya ? Yeah , I drove a steam roller for a major road construction crew for about five years and before that I put in ceilings for an Acoustical Ceiling Company (Hahahaha , pretty neat that now I get to paint on them with the Res. Ha, Love it !!) Yes , I have certainly found my calling. Well , gotta get to a Dept. Head meeting now to try and solve the worlds problems. That's what we do in those meetings ya know ? Heeheeheeheehee, See ya Pennie !! Have a Fabulous day today !! Yo Friend , BartMan

[BartMan 0]

Hey guys , we only have one vote , Whats up with that ? Can ya help a Fella out or what ? BartMan )~

[Guest Guest_Miguel]

Well I am sure that I am the youngest AD on here but I got my start in high School... umm about 7 years ago! lol I was doing community service hours for my senior project and spent the day in a skillled nursing facility working in the activity department... GOT HOOKED! Completed high school, went on to college to pursue a liberal studies degree and found my way back to activities where I have been doing it for the last 4 years!

 

I am a male and truly love what I do....

 

-Miguel