By Natalie Martinez
Since the moment I joined Footprints in Fall 2023, I fell in love with the community it brought into my life. From volunteering in Units 41 and 42 to countless ice cream runs and cookie decorating at the Ronald McDonald House, I have learned what it means to be part of an organization I adore. In the past year and a half, no two shifts have ever been the same. We’ve fought dinosaurs with the kiddos, played doctor, watched movies, colored, and opened up about the difficulties of battling childhood illness. All of the kids I’ve met throughout my time have taught me the importance of resilience, bravery, and above all, being just a kid.
As a senior approaching her last semester, I can’t thank Footprints enough for all the positivity and love it has brought into my life. Working with the Diversity and Inclusion Committee this semester has been so special and I have enjoyed every second of it! Big thank you to everyone who has come out to our presentations and dedicated their time to learning about the importance of diversity in pediatric healthcare. Everyone in this organization is caring, selfless, and a daily reminder to be the best version I can be. I can’t wait to see what my last semester has in store, and I’m already counting down the days until I can take my last “First Day of Volunteering” picture again. To all the buddies who have made our shifts so magical: it’s been an honor sharing these special moments with you all!
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