If Sierra Witte (BRLS ’24) was ever unsure of the impact she was having at a local retirement home, those doubts flew right out the window — of a small bus — on Friday, Oct. 18.

After crossing the stage at Brock University’s Fall Convocation with her Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Witte walked outside to find a crowd of residents from Elgin Falls Retirement Community ready to celebrate her significant achievement.

Shuttled to campus by bus with banners in hand and smiles on their faces, the residents were eager to surprise their favourite Brock Badger, who interned with the organization this summer before being hired on full time as a recreation assistant.

Witte is responsible for facilitating many of the activities focused on engaging residents, such as exercise classes, arts and crafts workshops, and themed events like murder mystery nights and Cinco de Mayo. She also assists with paperwork and performs personal assessments.

“Sierra is such a wonderful person, she’s so helpful and always so happy,” says Joanne Mitchell, one of the nine Elgin Falls residents who travelled to Brock to celebrate Witte’s graduation. “She exercises us like you wouldn’t believe. We just love her!”

A group of seniors from Elgin Falls Retirement Community surprised recent Brock University graduate Sierra Witte (BRLS ’24) at Convocation Friday, Oct. 18.

Resident Kathleen Mason says Witte is “always enthusiastic about whatever we’re doing.”

“We love her because she is part of us,” she says. “We’re a family.”

The surprise was organized by Witte’s supervisor, Taylor Heezen (BRLS ’17), who completed the same Brock program seven years ago.

“Sierra worked really hard these past four years to make it to this day,” says Heezen, Lifestyle Manager for the new Niagara Falls retirement community. “She’s so special to the residents and staff, we had to make a big deal out of it.”

Witte did not expect to see the group of seniors waiting for her outside once the Convocation ceremony was complete.

“It means a lot to me that they all came out today; I can’t believe they actually did,” she says. “They’re very supportive of me, all of the time. They’ve been talking about my graduation for months.”

Heezen says she knew from her first interaction with Witte that she was “going to be an amazing recreation therapist.”

“Her demeanour is so warm and welcoming. Her bubbly personality draws you in and makes residents feel comfortable and excited to participate in activities.”

Witte first began working with senior citizens six years ago as a personal support worker. Having recently lost her grandparents at the time, she was passionate about finding ways to enhance the quality of life and well-being of older adults.

While working as a personal support worker, she saw the potential positive impact she could make as a recreational therapist and decided to return to school at the age of 23.

“I was really close with my grandparents, and it was hard when I lost them, so it’s nice to care for other people’s parents, grandparents and loved ones,” she says. “I try to make every day special and enjoyable.”