I have always wanted a career fueled by my strong passion for helping others. Learning about the Make-A-Wish foundation was my first exposure to supporting children and families impacted by critical illness. A few years later, when my six-year-old cousin was diagnosed with cancer, I saw how diagnosis and hospitalization impacted the family system. From these experiences, I wanted to learn more about supporting the psychosocial needs of children and families in the medical environment. In college, I was academically drawn to psychology and child development. After a classmate did a presentation on the role of a child life specialist, I immediately searched for information about the profession. From that point forward, I became invested in growing my skill set and academic knowledge for not only helping, but empowering children and families in the medical environment. Take a look at my child life experiences!