For as long as I can remember, children have been my passion. Throughout high school, I struggled with what direction I wanted to take that passion, though. I considered pediatric medicine, and I also considered child psychology. I ended up following my passion into the field of Early Childhood Education. When a child I was close to, though, was diagnosed with a brain tumor, I was introduced to the field of Child Life. After interacting with his Child Life Specialists, I knew I had found the opportunity that would allow me to impact children's lives in the way I'd always hoped.

 

I added a second major of Child/Family Studies and began researching how to become a Child Life Specialist. I began volunteering in a variety of settings, including Make-A-Wish and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in order to gain a variety of experience working with children in healthcare. With my education coursework, I completed three different practicums with well children of various ages. I also took on various leadership roles, including working as a Resident Assistant for 3 years, serving as the dorm representative in the Student Government Association, and leading as president for the Alpha Chi Honor Society.

 

In the summer of 2017, I completed a practicum at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, TX, where I had the opportunity to learn from Child Life Specialists in each department. My first rotation was in the Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where I was able to observe and even occasionally participate in providing normal nurturing, developmental play, sibling support, and bereavement services. In my second rotation in the Level 1 Trauma Pediatric Emergency Center (Pedi EC), I observed many emotionally intense and traumatic situations as my preceptor provided support to patients and families involved in trauma and other emergency situations. This practicum opened my eyes to the necessity and effectiveness of Child Life services. I now know, more than ever, that this is the field where I can best support children and their families during some of their hardest times.

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My senior year of college, following my practicum, has been full of finishing my education degree, applying for internships, and student teaching. Amidst these responsibilities, I have continued to volunteer with both Make-A-Wish and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Attending a university that does not offer a Child Life program has not always made this journey easy. Attaining a Child Life internship is neither required for either of my degrees. However, I have learned so much about self-motivation and hard work, and I am more sure than ever that this is a field, a community, I am meant to be a part of. Advocating for children is my passion, and I will fight for the opportunity to support the children and their families who can't fight for themselves..

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