After training, focused on hospital etiquette and protocol, 16 carefully chosen teenagers were released into the miraculous hospital with close supervision and direction. A team of Child Life Assistants, Interns and sassy directors guided our routines. I explored the wonders that compose Children's Hospital, both the staff and physical environment, each day. Enhancing these already fantastic explorations were my teammates and fellow adventurers, the patients. We journeyed to many distant worlds, through printed pages, in countless playrooms. We re-created a home (and wardrobe) with paper, scissors and tape. We bedazzled medical equipment and turned frowns upside down!
Not a single moment of boredom or regret flashed through my exhilarated mind, I was in awe. Four year olds became my heroes, CLA's became angels and stickers became a stocking of presents on Christmas morning. I find each exciting memory to be quickly replaced by a different one. I smile as I type…and laugh too. My summer could not have gone any better! My STriVe (Summer Teen Volunteer) experience will forever hold a place in my changed heart. Learning to serve is the most rewarding thing possibly imaginable; I now choose to serve. This program instilled in me a sense of fulfillment that can only be attained through service to others. Words are inadequate to express my profound gratitude, amazement and joy I feel toward the team that selected me to be a STriVe, you changed my life. Hopefully I will inspire and bless others, just as you have for me.
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| STriVe Volunteens with CLA Amanda. |
