Academic Experiences
Children's Hospital of Alabama
Since March 2025, I have been volunteering at Children’s Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham. I support kids in the Emergency Room and different clinics by giving them age-appropriate toys and using distraction techniques to help reduce stress and anxiety. I also help families by giving directions and offering kind support during their visits. This experience has taught me how to stay calm, comfort kids, and communicate with families in a caring way. It relates to my goal of becoming a Child Life Specialist because I’m learning how to support children emotionally in a hospital setting. Volunteers help make hospital visits less scary and more comforting for both children and their families.
Early Learning Center
As part of my HDFS 3460 course, I worked at the Auburn Early Learning Center (ELC) during the spring of my junior year. There, I worked with preschool-aged children, helped lead classroom activities, and observed their development. While this experience was required for my major, it quickly became one of my favorites. I learned how to manage a classroom, support children’s learning through play, and better understand their behavior and developmental needs. I also saw how important it is to use age appropriate activities to help children grow and feel safe. This experience connects to my professional goal of becoming a Child Life Specialist because it gave me real experience building relationships with children, guiding them through new experiences, and supporting their emotional and developmental needs just like I hope to do in a healthcare setting.
Bravehearts Center of Place and Purpose
From August 2024 to December 2024, I volunteered at BraveHearts Center of Place and Purpose, a program for young adults with disabilities. I helped them learn life skills like cooking, cleaning, and getting ready for jobs. I worked to create a space that was structured but also flexible, where they could feel confident and independent. I did this to earn hours for my practicum and internship, but it became a very meaningful experience. I learned how important it is to be patient, give personalized support, and encourage independence. This connects to my goal of becoming a Child Life Specialist because it taught me how to support people with different needs. Programs like BraveHearts help people grow, and volunteers help make that possible.
Storybook Farms
From August 2024 to December 2024, I volunteered at Storybook Farms, a program that helps children with disabilities and trauma through therapeutic horseback riding. I helped during riding sessions by supporting the kids and making sure they felt safe and encouraged. I did this to earn hours for my practicum and internship, but I also gained valuable experience. I learned how animal-assisted therapy can help children feel more confident and emotionally supported. I also learned how to be patient and meet each child’s individual needs. This connects to my goal of becoming a Child Life Specialist because it showed me how different types of support can help children grow. Programs like this make a big difference in kids lives, and volunteers help make that happen.
All photos used with permission.