A field placement can do more than provide workplace experience. For Durham College (DC) Recreation Therapy graduate Kyle Repulles, it became the first step toward a rewarding career with Lakeridge Health.

“Kyle’s story is a great example of what we aim to achieve in Recreation Therapy at Durham College,” said Erica Arbour, Program Coordinator. “Applied learning gives students the opportunity to build confidence, develop professional relationships and, in many cases, launch their careers before they graduate.”

For Repulles, the path into Recreation Therapy was driven by a passion for helping others.

“I enjoy working with people and creating meaningful relationships,” he said. “As a dancer, I’ve seen firsthand how recreation, movement, and social connection can have a positive impact on someone’s well-being.”

He chose DC for its strong focus on experiential learning and career-focused preparation.

“I wanted a program that would prepare me for the workplace, and Durham definitely did that.”

During his field placement at Lakeridge Health Whitby, Repulles quickly became part of the recreation team and developed strong relationships with patients and staff.

“From my first day, I felt welcomed by everyone I worked with,” he said. “One of my favourite parts was building relationships with patients and getting to know them each day on a personal level. It was rewarding to see how something as simple as a conversation can brighten someone’s day.”

He added that the supportive environment allowed him to build confidence while taking on increasing responsibility, including facilitating programs and applying classroom learning in a professional setting.

His time at Lakeridge Health Whitby helped him build the skills and connections that supported his transition into a Therapeutic Recreation Assistant role with Lakeridge Health Bowmanville after graduation.

“There’s definitely a difference between being a student and being an employee,” he said. “But this program and Durham College helped me prepare for that transition. I’ve been able to apply many of the skills I learned, along with integrating my personal hobbies and interests to create rewarding programs.”

Reflecting on his learning, Repulles highlighted the value of applied coursework and faculty support throughout the program.

“The theory in class was important, but being able to apply it through assignments, presentations and workplace experiences really helped everything come together,” he said.

For current and prospective students, his advice is simple: make the most of every opportunity.

“Be willing to learn, ask questions, and step outside your comfort zone,” he said. “If you treat every day as an opportunity to grow, it will show in your work. People notice when your heart is in what you do.”

Learn more about the Recreation Therapy program at DC.