丁香园AV

Hope Stenhouse鈥檚 passion for working with older adults led her to pursue a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Gerontology at 丁香园AV.

Turning her passion into a career

After completing her bachelor鈥檚 degree in health administration in just two years, Stenhouse knew she wanted to specialize in aging to focus on senior care administration. Since 2020, she has worked at The Good Samaritan Society and also volunteers as a recreation therapy assistant. 

鈥淚 fell in love with the residents and often left work in complete bliss,鈥� she shares. "[That experience] encouraged me to pursue a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Gerontology.鈥� 

Understanding the aging process

Stenhouse has found the courses in the Gerontology program particularly rewarding, especially GERO 411: Social Isolation and Loneliness and GERO 404: Health and Illness in Later Life. These classes have deepened her understanding of the policy-making side of healthcare administration, while also providing valuable insights into the psychological, sociological, and biological aspects of aging. 

鈥淸Through] these classes, I have had the opportunity to expand my knowledge on the multifaceted challenges that older adults face in later life, such as ageism in healthcare accessibility and [the prevalence of] social isolation,鈥� she explains.

Outside of school, Stenhouse stays active by going to the gym, golfing, running and hiking. She also enjoys photography and chess in her spare time. Despite the demands of being a full-time student, she makes time to engage in her hobbies to recharge. 

What鈥檚 next?

Looking ahead, Stenhouse is motivated to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in gerontology or public health after completing her diploma. Her long-term goal is to become the director of an assisted living facility, where she can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of older adults.