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Congratulations to our Dal Health Class of 2025! Get to know more of our featured grads.
In this Convocation Q&A learn about Itohan (I.T) Gabriella Okojie Gabriel, Bachelor of Science (Recreation), from Lagos, Nigeria.
What inspired you to choose your field of study?
I really think Recreational Therapy chose me. Growing up I participated in a lot of sports, and it was primarily a coping mechanism during a difficult time in my life. I never really wanted to go to university, but my dad would always say “No child of mine would not have a degree. Once you get it you can do whatever you want to do” and I knew if I was going to do something, it had to be sports related. I was initially hoping to study kinesiology but after taking some courses and finding out that I had to take physics I knew it wasn’t for me. I met with a career advisor and took a test that gave me different options for careers I might be interested in, and Recreational Therapy was one of them. Prior to this I had never heard of it and after finding out that I did not have to take a biology, chemistry, or physics course I was sold. The more I got to learn more about the field the more I fell in love with it.
What was a moment at Dal that you’ll never forget?
A moment at Dal that I’ll never forget would have to be Recreation Orientation (Rec O). I still remember it like it was yesterday. I got to meet my professors and faculty members in a not so formal environment where they fostered a welcoming and inclusive environment that gave me the sense of belonging I had been looking for after my first year at Dal. I got to learn more about this new degree I decided to pursue, make lifelong friendships, meet and build connections with Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) practicing in the field and also get the feeling of being in summer camp (the place where time seems to stop with a never ending supply of s'mores).
Who supported you along the way and how?
I wouldn’t have made it through without God. He’s always there when I need to cry or vent about the good and bad. My family and friends here with me and at home (Nigeria). And the wonderful leisure and recreation faculty! If I had to name drop it would be Austin Oswald and Kimberley Woodford. They went above and beyond for me so much, if I started a list with all the things they helped me with I wouldn’t be able to fit it all on a piece of paper. They pushed me out of my comfort zone, believed in me, and supported me with matters that were both school and non-school related.
Is there a course/research topic/placement or project that really impacted you?
My internship at the IWK Community Mental Health and Addictions was by far one of the most impactful experiences of my degree. I had the privilege of working with youth up to the age of 19 and participated in groups like Wise Minds and Connect which aided in understanding of trauma-informed care and person-centered care. I worked with amazing people at CMHA Halifax alongside an incredible supervisor Andrea Leahey, who not only pushed me to grow as a Recreational Therapist but also encouraged me to bring my full, authentic self into the space. Andrea consistently checked in on not just tasks, but about me. She reminded me that it was okay to slow down, ask for help, and to be proud of what I had achieved and overcome.
I got to practice all the theoretical parts of my degree and was able to develop stronger clinical skills, a clearer professional identity and most importantly a deeper sense of purpose. Because of this placement I now know what kind of therapist I want to be. I want to be a CTRS who leads with empathy, advocates for culturally responsive care, and never forget the people I serve are whole human beings who need some direction getting where they want to be mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This experience also deepened my belief that healing does not happen in isolation rather it does in the community when people feel seen, valued, and safe
What does graduating mean to you?
I’ve honestly always hated school, but I knew it was something I had to do. Moving to a different country and trying to navigate an unfamiliar system as a young Black woman wasn’t easy. There were moments of homesickness, self-doubt, exhaustion, and lots of discomfort. Still, I kept going often showing up when I didn’t want to or wasn’t in the best shape, physically or mentally.
To me, graduating feels like resistance and resilience in motion. It’s a reminder that I made it through situations and systems that were never designed with me in mind. It’s also a thank you to my parents and community, who made huge sacrifices to get me here. Earning this degree is my way of saying, “It wasn’t a waste. Your investment meant something.” This milestone is not just mine. It belongs to all of us.
What is next for you?
I am currently working towards writing my certification exam to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist while continuing to explore work opportunities that align with my values. I’m especially interested in helping to create and run programs that center the experiences of racialized and marginalized youth. I want to continue to build accessible and culturally inclusive programming for marginalized communities. I am also hoping to complete a master’s in public health and possibly education in the near future.
Congratulations to our Dal Health Class of 2025! Get to know more of our featured grads.
In this Convocation Q&A learn about Itohan (I.T) Gabriella Okojie Gabriel, Bachelor of Science (Recreation), from Lagos, Nigeria.
What inspired you to choose your field of study?
I really think Recreational Therapy chose me. Growing up I participated in a lot of sports, and it was primarily a coping mechanism during a difficult time in my life. I never really wanted to go to university, but my dad would always say “No child of mine would not have a degree. Once you get it you can do whatever you want to do” and I knew if I was going to do something it had to be sports related. I was initially hoping to study kinesiology but after taking some courses and finding out that I had to take Physics I knew it wasn’t for me. I met with a career advisor and took a test that gave me different options for careers I might be interested in, and Recreational Therapy was one of them. Prior to this I had never heard of it and after finding out that I did not have to take a Biology, Chemistry, or Physics course I was sold. The more I got to learn more about the field the more I fell in love with it.
What was a moment at Dal that you’ll never forget?
A moment at Dal that I’ll never forget would have to be Recreation Orientation (Rec O). I still remember it like it was yesterday. I got to meet my professors and faculty members in a not so formal environment where they fostered a welcoming and inclusive environment that gave me the sense of belonging I had been looking for after my first year at Dal. I got to learn more about this new degree I decided to pursue, make lifelong friendships, meet and build connections with Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) practicing in the field and also get the feeling of being in summer camp (the place where time seems to stop with a never ending supply of s'mores).
Who supported you along the way and how?
I wouldn’t have made it through without God. He’s always there when I need to cry or vent about the good and bad. My family and friends here with me and at home (Nigeria). And the wonderful leisure and recreation faculty! If I had to name drop it would be Austin Oswald and Kimberley Woodford. They went above and beyond for me so much, if I started a list with all the things they helped me with I wouldn’t be able to fit it all on a piece of paper. They pushed me out of my comfort zone, believed in me, and supported me with matters that were both school and non-school related.
Is there a course/research topic/placement or project that really impacted you?
My internship at the IWK Community Mental Health and Addictions was by far one of the most impactful experiences of my degree. I had the privilege of working with youth up to the age of 19 and participated in groups like Wise Minds and Connect which aided in understanding of trauma-informed care and person-centered care. I worked with amazing people at CMHA Halifax alongside an incredible supervisor Andrea Leahey, who not only pushed me to grow as a Recreational Therapist but also encouraged me to bring my full, authentic self into the space. Andrea consistently checked in on not just tasks, but about me. She reminded me that it was okay to slow down, ask for help, and to be proud of what I had achieved and overcome.
I got to practice all the theoretical parts of my degree and was able to develop stronger clinical skills, a clearer professional identity and most importantly a deeper sense of purpose. Because of this placement I now know what kind of therapist I want to be. I want to be a CTRS who leads with empathy, advocates for culturally responsive care, and never forget the people I serve are whole human beings who need some direction getting where they want to be mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This experience also deepened my belief that healing does not happen in isolation rather it does in the community when people feel seen, valued, and safe
What does graduating mean to you?
I’ve honestly always hated school, but I knew it was something I had to do. Moving to a different country and trying to navigate an unfamiliar system as a young Black woman wasn’t easy. There were moments of homesickness, self-doubt, exhaustion, and lots of discomfort. Still, I kept going often showing up when I didn’t want to or wasn’t in the best shape, physically or mentally.
To me, graduating feels like resistance and resilience in motion. It’s a reminder that I made it through situations and systems that were never designed with me in mind. It’s also a thank you to my parents and community, who made huge sacrifices to get me here. Earning this degree is my way of saying, “It wasn’t a waste. Your investment meant something.” This milestone is not just mine. It belongs to all of us.
What is next for you?
I am currently working towards writing my certification exam to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist while continuing to explore work opportunities that align with my values. I’m especially interested in helping to create and run programs that center the experiences of racialized and marginalized youth. I want to continue to build accessible and culturally inclusive programming for marginalized communities. I am also hoping to complete a master’s in public health and possibly education in the near future.
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