Former Undergraduate Student Melissa Zader Writes:

The Gerontology Program opened doors that changed my life. I always hoped that I would figure out the right career path and can truly say that I did. I love waking up in the morning excited to go to my job!

The Gerontology Program helped me gain a better understanding of the challenges that older adults experience and clarified my career choice. I took some great classes and there are two that were extremely beneficial: The ‘Psychology of Adulthood and Aging’ and ‘The Sociology of Aging’ that taught me two important aspects of aging.

As graduation neared, my thoughts and efforts turned to obtaining a job that provided assistance to the elderly. I found the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS.) My employment with DADS started just after graduation. I was originally employed as a CCAD worker (Community Care for the Aged and Disabled) and have subsequently been promoted to a position called CBA (Community Based Alternatives) Worker. I love it because the program is designed specifically to give our aging and disabled population an alternative to nursing home care. CBA provides skilled care and is fully funded by Medicaid. The program provides several services such as nursing, physical/occupational therapy, emergency response services, home delivered meals, medical supplies, adaptive aids, minor home modifications and a provider. CBA is wonderful because it allows older adults to stay happy at home, while allowing them to remain as independent as possible. The best part about this job is going out on home visits to my see my clients and talking with them. I have met some amazing and beautiful people that have the best stories to tell and have led the most interesting lives. I recently met a man that is in his nineties and he still rides his motorcycle and mows his lawn with a push mower!

The field of gerontology can benefit from people that are compassionate and understanding. It’s an exceptionally rewarding field, both personally and professionally. I feel blessed for the path that my life has taken. I probably wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for some of my professors. They really inspired me to reach beyond myself and strive to be a better person. They encouraged me to follow my heart. Hopefully my story will inspire others to get involved with the Gerontology Program.

Melissa Zader
March 31, 2008