Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.
The College of Education and Human Development faculty in Recreation Management have chosen
Ayesha Faryad
as the recipient of the
2021 Thomas L. Goodale Award for Outstanding Student in Recreation Management – Therapeutic Recreation
Q & A with Outstanding Student in Recreation Management – Therapeutic Recreation, Ayesha Faryad:
What part of your Mason experience are you most proud of?
One of my proudest experiences is being able to receive the Program Award, because it demonstrates the effort and perseverance I displayed in relation to my degree.
What are your future plans, goals, and dreams?
I plan to get my certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and work in a clinical setting. My goal is to increase my understanding of Therapeutic Recreation by learning and treating different age groups and disabilities, so that I can grow into a skilled recreational therapist.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the College of Education and Human Development?
My favorite memory was participating in my program’s course events: rock climbing, hiking, visiting outdoor environments, and examining recreation sites. In addition, I had a chance to meet a few recreational therapists and explored their working atmosphere. I value these opportunities because they stimulated an educational standpoint that presented a different insight into the TR field.
What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students?
The advice I would share for fellow students is to challenge yourself and step outside of your comfort zone. There were several times in my program where I was encouraged to take risks and avoid playing it safe, this gave me a chance to fully test my ability and see what I am truly capable of.
Would you like to give any shout-outs to those who supported you along the way?
I would like to give a shout-out to my family, especially my mom and dad who have both supported me in ways I value the most. I would also like to give a shout-out to my friends and classmates I encountered in this program, it was truly an enjoyable experience. Lastly, a huge thanks to my professors and internship coordinator for being kind, compassionate, and making me understand the importance of this field.