I was born in Durango, Mexico and I am a Child Life Specialist with a BA in Child Development and a specialization in Hospitalized Child from California State University, Los Angeles. Making the world a better place; this is something that we may all want to accomplish. As a Child Life student in Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital I had the opportunity to work in the ICU/Burn Rehabilitation unit. Working with children and helping them develop cognitively, physically, and emotionally while in the hospital is what I enjoy doing the most.

Having the support of the medical team and the Connect-123 staff made me feel comfortable both in the hospital and in the city. Being in Cape Town also gave me the opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings. I met wonderful people that were part of the program as well as outside the program, and developed great friendships. While I was in Cape Town I learned a couple of words in Afrikaans and Xhosa.

Over all I had an amazing experience and it made me grow both professionally and personally. By volunteering I may not be able to change the world, but I am able to enhance the life of a child.