By Abigail Chudzinski
As a rising sophomore this past summer, I made the decision to apply to be a member of Footprints. In early August, I remember receiving an email that I got an interview, and I was ecstatic. The mission of Footprints resonated closely with experiences in my own family, and I wanted more than anything to be a part of an organization that had the ability to touch so many people’s lives. Extremely nervous for my interview, I remember joining the Zoom meeting and introducing myself. However, I was completely caught off guard when Lily, one of my now fellow Footprints members, asked me what my “go-to dance move” was, and if I could demonstrate it for them. I genuinely think I laughed out loud. Never in my life had I been asked an interview question like that. From that point on, and every time I have volunteered with Footprints, I find the creative whimsy and joyful attitudes of every Footprints member to be so energizing and refreshing.
As volunteers at Shands Children’s Hospital, I think that having this type of attitude is what truly allows our members to have such great experiences with the kids we see on our shifts. After my first semester of volunteering, I can easily say that my shift on Unit 41 is a highlight of my week, and I always have the best time playing with the kids. Whether it’s playing a game of Uno, singing and dancing to “Baby Shark,” playing LEGO Avengers on Xbox, or creating playdough food for our Barbies, I get to spend quality time with these children and watch as they completely come out of their shell and “just be a kid” again, without the negative emotions that so easily come with being in a hospital. I am so excited to continue volunteering with Footprints in the coming years. Joining this organization has been the best decision I have ever made, and I couldn’t recommend it to anyone more!
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