Hello January 2010 World Racers!
Having a blog page makes this all so real! I’m looking foward to getting to know you all!
I grew up in a small town by the name of Geneva, Ohio…it is near lake Erie (we moved to Florida for two years and then back to Ohio so most of my time was in good ol’ Ohio). I was raised in a Christian home with my parents; I am the youngest of three…my sister, Melissa lives in West Palm Beach, Florida with her husband, Leland. They have two amazing kids that God has blessed them with through adoption; William is 9 and Tyneisha is 6. My brother Bryan lives in Columbus, Ohio. We are both The Ohio State University Alumni (GO BUCKEYES!). I received a BS in Human Development and Family Studies in 2004. Upon graduation I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I applied to several AmeriCorps positions and accepted one in Seattle, Washington. I packed my car and drove across the country with my Mom, found an apartment, and watched my Mom get back on a plane to Ohio. While in Seattle I worked for United Way and Youth Volunteer Corps organizing and leading service projects with local high school students. Upon completion of my year of National Service, I moved back to Ohio and God led me to Child Life. After hours of volunteering at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, I learned that this was what I was supposed to do and was so excited about it. I then accepted an internship at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. As a Child Life Specialist you provide pre-procedural preparation for children undergoing procedures in the hospital which allows for them to be prepared which in turn helps them cope with being hospitalized. We are also in charge of all the fun things that a hospital has to offer…the TOYS and PLAYROOM! After my internship, I applied to several hospitals and a few days before I was about to accept an offter in Texas I received a call from The Children’s Hospital of Phildelphia where I did my internship. They told me they had two positions that had just opened up. One of them was in the outpatient oncology clinic. Fast forward two and a half years and here I am. I live in Philadelphia, take the train to work every day, and work with children and families who are battling cancer. I teach the patient and often times the siblings about cancer and chemotherapy using different types of play, prepare kids for procedures such as spinal taps, and help them cope with everything that comes along with a cancer diagnosis such as losing their hair. Kids are still just kids. They love to laugh and play. They can go from throwing up to playing in a minute flat. By the grace of God their resilience is strong. It inspires me. I love my job but it is time to go. This job has prepared me for what’s next. So, in less than five months…I will be traveling to 11 countries with all of you! See you in October!
Just for fun:
– I have had my car stollen 3 times…one time I found it and stole it right back.
– I often name things…my ipod’s name is Sonney.
– I love games…Bananagrams anyone???
– I love a good fountain soda with a side of swedish fish.
– I can’t get enough of the ocean.
– I’d love to learn how to play the guitar.
– I love concerts.
– Some of my friends say I am emotional. My friend, Kara always has a tissue for me. The day I found out I was accepted to TWR I was “tearing up” on the train heading to work and the man next to me hands me a tissue. I started laughing because God’s sense of humor is so great. : ) HE took care of me. : )
-Sometimes I like to pretend I am a photographer…I like to take pictures of nature.
Family Photos:
My Dad and I in Philadelphia.
My Mom and I at Mount Vernon. She bought me that hat and said I needed it for Africa. : )
My sister, brother-in-law and William on Tyneisha’s Adoption day!
My brother and I in Columbus.
