So as some of you may or may not know, I volunteer at Primary Children's Medical Center every Friday. It is the greatest opportunity and I love working there and having a day every week dedicated to serving other people. A lot of people are interested in my experience there, so on my way home today, I decided to write a blog post about my awesome opportunity....Why are you volunteering there?
I decided to volunteer this past March. I was up at school and going through a rough time. I had just found out that I was going to need ankle surgery and I was pretty down in the dumps. Being a college student, it is so easy to become selfish and only care about your world and your life. I decided it was time to dig myself out of the selfish hole I dug and create an opportunity there. I researched, and decided that this opportunity would be perfect for me and really help me learn and grow. Also, having one day a week dedicated to not thinking about myself really makes my weeks SO MUCH BETTER!
What do you do there?
I am a volunteer for the Kids Krew. It is the best program! Basically, what I get to do is play with kids, make crafts, hold babies, and make the kids happy! We are based out of the playroom (Forever Young Zone), and are supervised by Child Life Specialists. I am specifically in charge of the 3rd floor, which is the Children's Surgical Unit and the Children's Medical Unit. The best units in my opinion!
Isn't it sad seeing all the sick kids?
This is the most commonly asked question. My answer is actually pretty simple. It really isn't hard seeing the kids. I will admit, it is very hard to see the family and parents. But, as far as kids go...they are AWESOME! Kids are SO RESILIENT! I guess like everything in life, you can be consumed by the tragedy and heartbreak...or you can choose to celebrate the MILLIONS of miracles that you get to witness. The kids are always in good spirits and love having us there to play with them and keep them company. I have met so many kids that I truly admire and hope that one day I can be as strong as they are.
So that is pretty much it. I can't think of anymore big questions that are commonly asked...OH YEAH! I work every Friday from 12-3, and I hope to volunteer for as long as I can, but as a minimum you have to commit to 80 hours. That's also another common question! But anyway, it is an awesome opportunity and I am so lucky to be involved in such an amazing organization. Every Friday is my favorite, because I get to go up there and get away from the world. If you ever get the chance to be involved in volunteering up there, totally take it because it is the most humbling, spiritual, challenging, growing experience I have ever had.
HAPPY FRIDAY!
