In the past, I have worked, volunteered, and held a variety of leadership positions in different extra circulars. In high school, I worked at the Ice Arena in my hometown. I was initially hired as a Skate Guard, then transitioned to the Concessions stand, and then I started working as an Office Assistant for our parks and recreation office. During my 5 years working at the Ice Arena, I gained a variety of valuable skills that I still use every day. I learned how to communicate with people from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. I learned how to handle conflict, how to process expense reports, and keep track of money. Since attending IUPUI, I have been a member of multiple student organizations, including the Biology Club, Women's Rugby, and Women 4 Change Indiana. Being members of these organizations I was able to gain experience in volunteering, and was event the Treasurer for the Rugby team my sophomore year. 

I learned how to be a good team member through clear communication and patience. I think these two attributes are the two most important characteristics of being a good team member, as working with different types of people can be challenging at times. Being willing to listen and to learn from your team members will help advance the projects, come up with new ideas and concepts, and help build a stronger team. 

The most recent experience that I have added under my belt is that I have begun volunteering at Peyton Manning's Children's Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent hospital on the north side of Indianapolis. I am volunteering for their department of Child Life in order to gain field experience before applying to practicum programs and graduate schools to continue my studies in Child Life. During my volunteer shifts, I am assigned patients to check up on, bring toys and activities to children staying at the hospital, spend time with any assigned patient that may be unattended, clean toys, and sort donations brought in from outside organizations. I am learning how to be flexible, understanding of others. 

I have been able to identify new areas of improvement throughout this year along with strengths that I have continued to solidify. I am learning how to manage my stress, something that I have always struggled with. I think being overly stressed hinders my success in my work and I am making strides to implement acts of self care into my routine. I have been able to keep growing in my communication skills through my experience this year, and have grown more confident in communicating with people who I may not know, or people across various ages and backgrounds.