Once-in-a-Lifetime Spring Break Trip: Bringing Country Music Dreams to Life Through the ACR Homes Impact Year Internship
written by: Emma Helgerson, Direct Care Professional at ACR Homes & Pre-PA Student at the University of Minnesota
Spring break is usually a time for relaxation, but for one ACR Homes resident, it became an unforgettable adventure filled with music, joy, and first-time experiences. This trip to Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of country music, was not only the resident’s first plane ride but also a chance to explore his lifelong love for country music in person. Thanks to the dedication and creativity of Troy, a Direct Care Professional completing his Impact Year Internship, this once-in-a-lifetime trip showed just how meaningful patient-centered care can be.
At home, this resident is known for his love of country music. Whether relaxing in the sunroom, getting ready for the day, or winding down before bed, his country playlist is always on. Artists like Jason Aldean and Kane Brown bring him comfort and happiness. His caregivers often notice how his face lights up whenever one of his favorite songs starts playing. Music truly brings him joy in ways that words can’t describe. For someone who uses music as a source of comfort, traveling to the country music capital of the world was the ultimate dream.
The trip was made possible through ACR Homes’ Impact Year Internship, a year-long program designed for students pursuing future careers in healthcare such as physician assistant school, medical school, occupational therapy, or physical therapy programs. The internship gives Direct Care Professionals the chance to gain hands-on patient care experience, build leadership skills, and complete an Impact Project that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of the people with disabilities they support. One intern named Troy chose to go above and beyond for his Impact Project by organizing a full vacation to Nashville for this resident. As part of the trip, I was invited to join as an additional DCP staff member to provide direct support and help make the experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
From the moment the plane took off, excitement filled the air. It was the resident’s first flight. In Nashville, we explored all the places that make the city famous. The resident visited the Grand Ole Opry House, where he attended a live concert and got to experience the energy of country music firsthand. He also explored the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum, where he learned about the history and impact of the artists he loves. Walking along Broadway Street, he listened to live music, saw the bright lights, and felt the excitement of the crowds. We also stopped by the Musicians Hall of Fame, where he could celebrate the people behind the scenes who bring songs to life. Each moment reminded me why ACR Homes focuses so deeply on personal care and accessibility. For this resident, due to the nature of his disabilities, traveling independently would have been impossible. This trip gave him not only joy but also the experience of being part of a larger world filled with the music he loves most.
The Impact Year Internship doesn’t just give students clinical and patient contact hours. It also develops essential professional skills. Through weekly seminars, discussions, and journaling, interns build stronger communication and leadership abilities while gaining a deeper understanding of what compassionate care looks like in real life. Being part of this trip was eye-opening. It showed how healthcare and human connection can come together outside of a clinical setting. As an intern or Direct Care Professional at ACR Homes, you don’t just assist with daily care. You help create memories that shape lives, both for residents and for yourself.
This trip to Nashville was much more than a vacation. It was a meaningful reminder of what person-centered care truly means. For our resident, it was a dream come true. For our staff, it was an experience that reinforced why we do what we do. The ACR Homes Impact Year Internship empowers students to make a tangible difference while gaining skills and experiences that prepare them for future healthcare careers. If you’re a student looking for a hands-on, meaningful way to gain patient care experience and make an impact before starting your next academic journey, ACR Homes could be the perfect place for you.
