Most of you are aware that I recently decided to pursue a second college degree in the area of Child Life (under the umbrella of Human Development and Family Studies). It was a surprisingly easy decision to make once I felt sure that I had found the field that I could be passionate about for the rest of my (working) life.
One of my lofty goals for this weekend was to complete my "personal statement," or essay, to include with my application to the programs I am interested in. It was no surprise that the sermon at church today provided me with just the right inspiration to frame the subject matter. Keep in mind this is not a final draft, but I thought I'd post it as a blog entry for your enjoyment.
As a candidate for this program, I feel inclined to share my answer to a question I have heard more than once since making my decision to pursue a second college degree. The answer to the question is better understood in the context of its preceding and following statements, as typically heard in response to my description of what may be expected of me as a Child Life Specialist.
“That is SO perfect for you! But are you SURE this is really what you want to do? Because there is no way I could do it. ”
It is a fair question, and one that deserves an answer from not only me, but every candidate who chooses to enter the field of Child Life. After all, not every person has the desire, wherewithal, and emotional stamina to stand alongside children ensconced in a battle that brings every parent’s worst nightmare to life.
Thousands of families are faced with unspeakable journeys of pain every day as children are diagnosed with chronic or terminal illness. I have gained some life experience in this area, some direct and some indirect. As a child, my best friend’s sister died of leukemia at the age of seven. Our families were very close…even our mothers were best friends. In fact, not a day went by when we were not all together in some capacity. Abbie’s long battle with cancer reverberated throughout my childhood as a lesson in bravery, loss, and how life, however inconceivably, goes on.
I have also experienced this journey through the eyes of the elderly and their adult children while working for a home care company. The experience of standing shoulder to shoulder with families facing the end of their loved ones’ journeys has been one of the most rewarding of my life. With so many factors out of their control, I was able to use my knowledge and objectivity to assist them in taking control of the decisions within their power while accepting the truths that were not.
Finally, my answer can be summed up by answering a different question altogether, as heard today from a man that I greatly admire and respect. The question was, “What does love require of you?” While each person’s answer will be different, here is mine.
Love requires that I model the life choices that I hope my son will someday make. As such, I must choose a career that utilizes my true passions, increases my financial stability and, above all, enables me to affect others in a positive, life-changing way. Love requires that I use my life experiences to help someone survive theirs. Love requires that I choose to walk through the valley of the shadow of death with someone who didn’t get to choose to be there.
So, in a word…yes. I am sure this is what I want to do.
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