Japanese Student Enthused About Music Therapy Internship

January 20, 2002. Lowell, Michigan

Minako Hata of Chiba, Japan, (near Tokyo) says she is delighted with her experience as a music therapy intern at the Franciscan Life Process Center, Lowell. Miss Hata began her internship in August 2001 and will complete it at the end of May 2002. The internship is a requirement for completion of a bachelor's degree in music therapy from Michigan State University. "This internship is preparing me well for returning to Japan as I seek to work as a music therapist to share what I have learned," she explained. "I have seen before my eyes how music impacts people who have disabilities. I want to impact the lives of people in a way that only music therapy can do."

The Franciscan Life Process Center is one of 140 clinical training sites of the American Music Therapy Association in the U.S., seven of which are in Michigan. Minako says, "This was my first choice! This place offers everything, especially a range of types of clients -- people in hospitals, autistic children of school age, 3-year olds who have cerebral palsy, emotionally impaired teenagers, adults with Parkinson's disease, frail elderly people in nursing homes who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's disease, adults with traumatic brain injuries."

When asked what she likes most about her internship program, Miss Hata replied, "I love the challenges, and I love the supportive staff. I am really blessed by being here."

Sister Mary Margaret Delaski, FSE, is the clinical supervisor and director of the intern program. She comments that she is always motivated to pass on her knowledge to interns and is especially pleased with Minako's growth and enthusiastic spirit.

Sister Mary Margaret Delaski, FSE and Minako Hata.