Apprentice Update: Balancing Work and Leisure

At The Trade, apprentices work with their occupational therapist and life skill mentors to improve their abilities to live a balanced, independent lifestyle.  Leisure and social participation are two of the focuses as we work together. 

 For apprentice A, a talented former high school athlete, this meant finding a local adult pick-up volleyball game to join. She worked with staff to find out how to balance her responsibilities at the lodge, coordinate transportation, and reach out to the gym to find out how to join. She hopes to join the spring adult volleyball league to continue following her passions and connect with others who love the sport. We sat down with her to learn more:

1. Why were you interested in The Trade?

“I need experience in carpentry work for my future job. I would like to build houses from the start.”

 2. What sort of work have you enjoyed the most so far?    

“I have enjoyed using the table & miter saw and the Sawzall while working on renovations at the Homestead. I also have enjoyed chopping wood to support tenured staff like Dave Moody.”

3. Tell us about your experience playing volleyball in high school and what you're most proud of?

“I played the outside position for three years on my high school team. I moved to libero for my senior year because I was one of the best diggers on the team. I am most proud of my digs and enjoy diving for the ball.”

4. Why was it important for you to continue to be involved with volleyball?

“I've loved volleyball since the start, and it is one of the things that I am most passionate about. I'm also the type of person that has a lot of energy and volleyball helps with that because I like to stay busy.”

5. What's your experience been like in the pick-up games?

“The people who show up to play are hardworking and give me a run for my money. They push me to become a lot better at volleyball.  There is a league starting in February and I'm hoping to be a part of that.” 

6. How do you balance your work responsibilities with what you do for fun?

“I found a pick-up volleyball league that is after work hours and not during any lodge responsibilities.  I take care of my lodge responsibilities on days other than Tuesdays.”