“We brought the participants together to improve their daily lives by doing something that is relaxing and fulfilling.”
C.O.D. Student Wins National Internship Award
The Cooperative Education and Internship Association has
recognized Marilyn Joyner of Glen Ellyn as the nation's top two-year college
student intern.
Joyner, who is retired from AT&T, worked last summer in horticulture therapy
with residents at King-Bruwaert House in Hinsdale, and with participants at
the Ray Graham Association in Burr Ridge. A Community Memorial Foundation
grant funded the program. The Ray Graham Association's Hanson Center, an inclusive
arts and recreation center for persons with and without developmental disabilities,
ultimately hired Joyner, who has earned an Ornamental Horticulture certificate
at C.O.D. and is continuing work toward an associate's degree in that field.
During her internship, Joyner worked with six participants each from the Ray
Graham Association and the King-Bruwaert House.
“We would work on floral arrangements, plant seeds, transplant cuttings
and go on field trips to the Garfield Park Conservatory and other area conservatories,”
said Joyner, who also assisted in greenhouse operations, and developed and
led horticulture therapy sessions.
Julia Fitzpatrick-Cooper, Joyner's teacher and co-op program adviser, said
that Joyner was required to submit a written plan for each activity, purchase
supplies, gather and instruct participants and lead the program. She also
was required to chart each session, measure its effectiveness and discuss
results with her supervisor.
“Some of her activities were highlighted in a video produced for the
retirement center,” Fitzpatrick-Cooper said. “She was loved and
respected by the participants and highly rated by her supervisor.”
Joyner, who was honored for her efforts at an April conference in Cincinnati,
said, “It is extremely important that the aging population, with and
without disabilities, is engaged in activities that provide avenues for continued
socialization, utilization of cognitive skills and overall enjoyment.
“We brought the participants together to improve their daily lives by
doing something that is relaxing and fulfilling.”