Kaleb Ode

Professional Philosophy

 

I believe in the naturally therapeutic and restorative powers of the outdoors. 

 

In order to live up to the title of Recreation Professional I hold myself accountable to several key responsibilities.

 

Graduates of Western Washington University's Recreation Program have an obligation to convince others that their lives are not only worth living, but that they are worth enjoying.

 

I believe that it is my responsibility as a professional to break down, and remove, as many barriers to recreation as possible. I can help make the world a better place by removing, or minimizing, the financial, physical, mental, and social barriers to recreation that are not inherently part of the activity itself. If an individual does not believe in the benefits of recreation that is a barrier I can try to break down but with respect to the individual who holds that belief.

 

I believe that Recreation is a necessity, not a liability. It is fundamental, not expendable. I have a duty to promote this to all, with special notice to those who might fund, or defund, recreation services. Though I might be tempted to stop at a city or county level, I cannot allow myself to stop there should my voice be needed at a larger scale.