In This Section

• Children, Youth & Family
• Adult and Senior
• Fundraising and Media

How did you hear about FSA?
 I was surfing the internet for an internship that would allow me to work with younger kids and FSA popped up. After reading about the agency and the resources they had for the kids, I knew I wanted to be involved in some way.

Why were you interested in volunteering at FDC?
I have always loved being around kids, and I was particularly interested in learning what a child development specialist or a speech therapist does. I know I want to work with kids in the future so I thought volunteering at FSA would be a good way for me to be exposed to what different professionals do. I was also interested in finding out whether
becoming a child development specialist or a child psychologist would be something I want to do in the future,

What skills have you learned at FDC that might help you at college?
I am extremely grateful to have learned techniques in which to assess kids and strategies to help kids that may have specific needs or could benefit from some sort of therapy. It
has definitely been challenging, but now I feel like I am more capable of responding to any child's needs, and helping them in any way. I am grateful to have been exposed to many students with varied issues or needs, which has allowed me to be comfortable with working with all types of children. I have also learned how to work with parents in order to help the child in the best way possible. These skills will certainly help me at college because I volunteer at an elementary school and work with kids as a mentor in an after school program.

Have the students at FDC enjoyed having volunteers be part of their day?  Have you formed any bonds with particular students?
The students have enjoyed having me there. I have formed a particular bond
with Andy because I try to work with him at least once a week. Andy seems to enjoy the one on one attention I can give him, and he recognizes me and smiles at me in the yard or in the classroom. It has been really rewarding working with Andy because I have been able to observe the small progress he has made since I started working at FDC.

 What has been challenging about your experience at FDC?
 The most challenging aspect of my experience thus far has been being so invested in particular students, such as Andy, and wanting them to succeed so much that it is really hard to see them fall through the cracks or not receive enough services they desperately need. I have become so attached to the kids it is hard to see when a student makes so much progress but then takes two steps back the next week. In a more particular sense, it has been hard to deal with some of the kids who have tantrums or have special needs because I feel like I need more training to deal with these situations more effectively.

What do you like to do when you're not volunteering?
I have been SCUBA diving since I was 12 years old and ever year we go on a dive trip, which is the highlight of my summer. I also like reading, hanging out with friends, and playing soccer.

What advice would you give to a new FDC volunteer?
The best advice I would give to a new FDC volunteer would be to be open to new ideas and new experiences. I also think patience is key when working with the students. Sometimes it seems like the progress a particular student makes can be slow, but it is important to remember that working with the students in any capacity really does help them in the future.