By: Charlie Newstreet
Wow! My first semester with Footprints has been awesome!
Going into my second year at the University of Florida, I knew I wanted to find a way to volunteer at Shands Hospital, but I didn’t know how. I had a few friends tell me about Footprints and I immediately knew I wanted to apply. A few weeks after submitting my application, I got my acceptance letter! I was so excited to start volunteering in the units at the Children’s Hospital and could not wait for my first shift.
As excited as I was, I was still pretty nervous when I first joined Footprints. I knew no one in the organization, and I had never volunteered in a hospital before. Honestly, I didn’t even think I was that good with children. Looking back now, I had absolutely no reason to be nervous. Every person I met was so kind and welcoming, and after going through my training, I felt ready for my first shift.
My first shift and the rest since then have been awesome! I have loved spending time with the children on the unit, and seeing their joy when I get to hang out with them has been so rewarding. I have loved volunteering as a Footprints member, but the organization presents so much more! From socials to GBMs to fundraising events, the Footprints community truly is a family. I have loved my first semester, and I can’t wait to grow in the future as both a volunteer and a member.
Charlie Newstreet is a sophomore majoring in Health Science. He joined Footprints in the Fall of 2022.