Exercise science student intern gets consumers moving

Garrett Seiler is a senior at Western Michigan University studying exercise science and will be graduating this semester. In order to complete the requirements for graduation, Garrett was required to complete a 450-hour internship. Since August, Garrett has been instrumental in designing an exercise program for consumers attending the community connections skill-building program at the Center for Disability Services at WMU.

Garrett (r) with CDS participant, Joey.

Health and wellness activities have always been a big part of daily programming at CDS. This semester, Garrett made it his mission to vamp up a consumer favorite, walking club. He designed a new progress board in order for consumers to meet personal exercise goals, whether it is one lap around the interior of the building, or 20 laps.

“I’ve never worked with this population and this experience has helped me and will continue to help me work will people in the future,” Garrett said.

Often wheelchair users get up walk laps with the use of a walker when they are able. 

“Garrett has been a fantastic intern! Each day he takes the initiative to do more than what is expected of him in his role,” says Emily Resmer, three-year student staff member at CDS. “He assists staff by making lunches, feeding/sitting with consumers during lunch, prompting consumers to use the restroom, assists with loading vans for outings and asks many times throughout the day how he can be of help. Not only that, but he has made such an effort to build relationships with the consumers and you can tell that he genuinely cares about them which makes such a huge difference. They also really enjoy him! He goes swimming each week with consumers and staff members and can be found engaging consumers each day after lunch by walking laps or playing games. He is always very present throughout the day, hardworking and willing to help. He truly goes above and beyond and we have been very thankful for all that he has done this semester!”  

Garrett is excited for the next chapter in his life as he applies for jobs and is engaged to be married next summer.