2. Shannon Marie Hilbert, AAC
Shannon8569@sbcglobal.net
March 2, 2007
APTi 1.1
Assignment #8
Mission statement, “WHY” activities
Finding My Passion
Little did I know when I was participating in bingo games and
when I went along with a group to Furr’s to eat dinner, I was really
planning out my future career decisions. During the summertime, I
would volunteer at the hospital on the rehabilitation floor where I
was a patient. After high school, my main goal was just to go to
college and take classes that were human services related.
My career choices changed after a year and a half of college, but I
volunteered with several social service agencies in activities. After
working eleven years in the business related field, I went back to
college to finish my Associate in General Studies Degree. This
time I took stock in what mattered most to me which is helping
people be happy and appreciating everyday life. Upon completing
the Kansas Certified Nurse Aide course, I took the Kansas Social
Service Designee/Activity Director course.
In the Activity Director course, my mind reawakened a passion I
thought was beyond my reach. There are so many possibilities in
this profession. Really the Kansas approved course that colleges
teach just brushes the entire spectrum of Activities as a career.
After researching my career choice, I found many different
possibilities to pursue in the future. I belong to the local Activity
District #6; KADA, Kansas Activity Directors Association;

3. NAAP, National Association of Activity Professionals; NCCAP,
National Certification Council for Activity Professionals.
My first job as an Activities Assistant was a great experience. I
worked part-time and was in charge of the Activities in the
Alzheimer’s Unit. There was a new activity every thirty minutes -
so I was on my toes! This was my first job experience with
documentation. I cannot wait till I am working again!
In April 2006 I went to Clown College at Southern Care Hospice.
I graduated from the class in June 2006. I am a caring clown. I
don’t wear scary makeup. My clown name is Shaba-Daba-Do and
I entertain at nursing homes and senior living facilities. I will
never forget the first time I spotted a resident singing along with
one of the songs I was dancing to around the room. The person’s
mind has stored the words to that song from long ago.
NCCAP offers the MEPAP, Modular Education Program for
Activity Professionals course for a more through study of Activity
Professionals, Activities, and how I can further my career. I am
currently an Activity Assistant Certified, and I taking the MEPAP
class to expand my knowledge of the activity profession. As far
as I am concerned, the options are limitless in this career. I feel
some sort of kinship with anyone in the rehab/hospital/nursing
home facility. Nothing is better than to see a smile on a person’s
face when involved with a fun activity.