K-State student athlete puts academics into practice at her inspirational internship with a retirement home.
When you hear the word “reward,” you probably think of a trophy, a sweet treat or money. But sometimes the most meaningful reward comes from lending a helping hand to those in need.
For Andra Mohler, a K-State senior and soccer player, the best reward comes from working with the residents of Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community. During her internship, she taught exercise classes focused on increasing mobility for older adults.
Fitness for every generation
At Meadowlark, various exercise and strength classes range from one-on-one coaching to large group sessions. Residents are encouraged to attend the class that best fits their needs: seated classes for individuals with balance issues or standing classes for the more mobile. Residents are even offered recorded sessions they can complete in their rooms.
Mohler spent 10 hours a week assisting in these classes.
The retirement home also has a large program centered on support for those with Parkinson’s disease. Residents join teachers like Mohler on trips to Rock Steady Boxing, a boxing event for Parkinson’s patients. One of the home’s many competition-based activities is called Pump it for Parkinson’s, where residents compete on seated ellipticals.
Mohler says the most challenging part of her experience was the time-consuming event planning at the end of the semester, but she was able to incorporate her love of soccer into the residents’ activities.
“I brought a soccer goal and balls for the competition. The residents had a lot of fun playing and competing for prizes,” Mohler said.
Real-world learning
Mohler’s main goal is to learn how to help people increase overall mobility and health. This way, they can take care of themselves and do simple tasks like getting dressed, going to the bathroom and taking a shower. Through her internship at Meadowlark, she discovered her love of caring for older generations. She hopes to be able to embrace this passion in her job after college.
Internships like these are readily available to all K-State students because the university prioritizes students’ ability to experience firsthand examples of what their future could look like. Through internships, students learn how to juggle work, school and, in Mohler’s case, sports, while learning valuable communication skills and gaining early job experience.
Mohler highly recommends internship opportunities like hers at Meadowlark.
“It was super fun — the people were great,” she said. “I loved the relationships I created with all the residents; it was my overall favorite part. It reminded me that helping people with even the smallest of tasks is really rewarding.”
By Kate Ellwood
