Jessie Dietz (BA’ 07), the Activity and Marketing Director at Waterloo Heights Retirement Apartments loves going to work everyday. She is responsible for marketing the retirement apartments to the appropriate demographic market as well as for designing, implementing, and evaluating recreational programs for the apartment residents.
Jessie and apartment residents participating in 'mad hatter tea'.
These activities that Jessie plans and implements provide residents with fulfilling and enriching life experiences. Being able to witness the happiness her programs bring into the lives of others is her favourite part of her job.
Initially choosing to study at Waterloo because of an endorsement she heard from a Recreation and Leisure Studies graduate, Jessie pays this forward by crediting the program for preparing her with foundational knowledge in 2 domains: program management and aging studies. An understanding of these two areas is crucial for her current profession.
During my undergrad, I chose courses like Program Management and Evaluation, Health in the Aging Population, and Therapeutic Recreation. By learning about the bigger picture, and understanding why we provide recreation programs in the first place, I am now better able to meet the needs of my clients.
As her passion for recreation continues to grow, Jessie wants to eventually co-ordinate and market recreational activities for all demographics.