About Me!
My name is Olivia Parish, and I am an Auburn University student in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS); I plan to obtain my HDFS degree, with a concentration in Child Life and minor in Special Education, by 2028. I am focused on earning the opportunity for a Child Life Practicum and Internship, as well as attending graduate school for a master's degree in Child Life, to eventually become a Certified Child Life Specialist. I chose Human Development and Family Science because I take pride in being involved in a major that emphasizes people helping people. I want to become a Child Life Specialist because I have witnessed first-hand how impactful and magical true support and devotion looks like for those facing life-altering challenges. I hope to positively impact children and their families by encouraging perseverance, ensuring support and companionship, as well as reducing trauma and distress by what children know best: play. Skills I obtain that are vital to being a Child Life Specialist include written,
oral, and attentive communication, experience with children of all ages, time management, organization, compassion, leadership, and patience.
I value advocacy, encouragement, and compassion, which are reflected by my leadership roles in the Auburn Sustenance Project. As Vice President for the Auburn Sustenance Project, I am able to advocate for children and families, reducing food insecurity for K-5 students in the Auburn/Opelika area. I am compassionate about exploring the impacts food insecurity has on children, due to the correlation it has with physical, social, and cognitive development. These core values positively influence my goals to become a Child Life Specialist because I am able to provide genuine and constant advocacy, encouragement, and compassion.
Working at Summer Show-Offs, a summer camp that teaches confidence and character through song and dance, for the past three summers, has given me an abundant amount of experience with children, from ages five to eighteen. These experiences positively impact my future patients because I can apply my knowledge in dancing and singing to foster, and maintain, trust and a sense of confidence. By using my genuine empathy, compassion, constant encouragement, and companionship, I hope to become a Certified Child Life Specialist in a hospital, supporting and eliminating trauma for those walking through the darkest of the unknown.
Auburn University
College of Human Sciences
Address
Haley Center, 351 W Thach Concourse, Auburn, AL 36849
