Two students, Rebekah Burks and Katarina Boles, excelled in their studies in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences and are named our Fall, 2019 Top Graduates.
Rebekah Burks completed her degree in Recreation and Sport Management, majoring in Therapeutic Recreation, through the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies. When asked about her experience at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Rebekah shared the following:
“My time on Rocky Top has been incredible! I played lacrosse on the women’s club team, had a lot of cookout milkshakes, started a kindness club, and discovered passions I never dreamed of! My major, Therapeutic Recreation, is so hands on that I was able to really experience and do the things I was learning about! Over the summer I wanted to do more, so for 3 months I worked closely with an occupational therapist at a children’s home for kids with special needs in Uganda. Now, I’m planning on getting my doctorate in Occupational Therapy starting school in Fall, 2020. This last semester I’ve been completing an internship for my final graduation requirement in Utah with the National Ability Center. I am so grateful for such a supportive program, students, and professors, for pushing me to be my best and go beyond the typical! Dr. Scott shout-out!!!”
Katarina Boles completed her degree in Child and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology. When asked about her experience at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Katarina shared the following: “I was a Child and Family Studies (CFS) major and psychology minor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, for two years, transferring in from Walter State Community College. I wasn’t very familiar with CFS when I chose the major. I knew that I wanted a career where I could help people, and the coursework seemed interesting, so I went with it and have few regrets! The practicum experience that the major requires was so much fun for me. I loved working with the patients and staff at NHC Knoxville. My supervisors there have been excellent mentors to me and super helpful since I’ve graduated. My advice to future practicum students would be to choose your site wisely and take the opportunity seriously. Even if you’re unable to get a job out of the experience, which you may, it’s still a great opportunity to network and receive excellent recommendations for future jobs. Right now, I’m volunteering with Helen Ross McNabb and Children’s Hospital’s Behavioral Health Clinic while working. As for what I’m planning on doing now that I’ve graduated, I’m in the process of entering grad school for a Master’s of Science in Social Work here at UT. I’m just waiting to hear the Department of Social Work’s decision, which could be any day now. After completing the degree, I’d like to earn licensure and practice therapy with children and their families, probably working my way towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.”