My Past Semester with Footprints
- Footprints UF
- Nov 22, 2024
- 2 min read
By Ayushi Sinha
This past semester, volunteering with Footprints has been one of the best parts of my time at UF. Spending time with the kids on the pediatric units at Shands - whether it’s playing games, crafting, or just hanging out - is filled with so much fun and joy. It’s a place where I get to take a step back from my life and focus on making a kid’s day better, which in turn, always makes my day better too.
Shout-out to my incredible shift buddies, Leela and Janie (pictured above), who made every shift something to look forward to. No matter how stressful finals got or how busy life felt, I always left my shifts smiling and laughing. There was one shift though that really stood out - it was busier than usual, and we had three kids who all wanted to play with us at the same time. The playroom became a party with so much energy and laughter and the six of us running around. I don’t know where else I, as a 21-year-old, could spend my time making crafts and pretending to be a dinosaur for hours, but it’s easily one of the most fun parts of my week.
What amazes me most is how tough these kids are. Despite everything they’re going through, they radiate so much strength and positivity. Being part of Footprints has meant so much to me - it’s been fun, grounding, and rewarding in ways I can’t fully explain. I’m so grateful to be part of this incredible group and can’t wait for more memories next semester!
"Volunteering is such an impactful way to not only give back but to also learn valuable life skills. Your experience with Footprints seems like it’s been a great stepping stone to personal and professional growth." https://burnouttest.app/
"It’s wonderful to see how Footprints encourages self-discovery while contributing to meaningful causes. I’d love to know more about how volunteering with them has influenced your future career goals." https://mergejpg.top/
"Your reflection on the challenges and rewards of volunteering is spot on. I think many people underestimate the impact such programs can have on both the volunteers and the communities they serve." https://randomaddressgenerator.net/
"It’s inspiring to read about the transformative experience volunteering with Footprints. The growth you’ve experienced is evident, and it’s amazing to see how the program allows volunteers to make a real difference." https://imageoverlay.org/
One of the fascinating challenges in Infinite Craft recipes is figuring out how to make specific items, especially complex ones like 'Human' or 'Life'. You start with the four classical elements and through a long chain of combinations, you can eventually create incredibly abstract or specific things. It requires a mix of logic, lateral thinking, and sometimes just happy accidents. There are communities dedicated to sharing discoveries, but the real fun is in trying to figure out these crafting trees yourself. It’s a very rewarding and mentally stimulating game.