I had an amazing experience working with all the children at the Home of Charity

 

 

Where do I even start? The Home of Charity is a remarkable place like no other and I couldn’t have imagined a better place to spend my summer vacation at. I am currently an occupational therapy student just beginning my 3rd and final year of the program. I decided that I wanted to engage in an occupational therapy abroad volunteer opportunity to help further my clinical reasoning skills, leadership skills, and cultural competency skills to help me become the best therapist that I can be.

 

While searching for opportunities online, I stumbled upon the Home of Charity, and I am so glad that I did.  When I read their mission statement and saw how closely it aligned with the mission of the occupational therapy profession: to help individuals live their life to the fullest and obtain the highest level of independence possible, I knew that Home of Charity was the place for me.

Sister Cecilla, Jirasak and all of the staff at HOC are amazing individuals and each and every one of them go above and beyond to provide the children with all the opportunities needed to grow, develop, and to become as independent as possible. I had an amazing experience working with all the children at the HOC, and my only wish is that I would have been able to stay longer. Let me tell you, 3 weeks is nowhere near long enough! Unfortunately it was all of the time I had off between my spring and summer quarters of my block program. I am only okay with leaving because I know I will be back one day, hopefully with more knowledge and clinical experience so I can be a greater asset to the center.

This experience definitely strengthened my clinical reasoning skills and my ability to function independently as a therapist; but I am leaving with far more than just a greater appreciation of the various occupations of children. Yes I expected this experience to strengthen my skills as a future occupational therapist, but I never expected to learn so many general life lessons from these children as well. They taught me how to love unconditionally, live in the present and to never take anything for granted. Their smiles are infectious and their positive outlook on life is so inspiring. Each and every child at HOC is beautiful inside and out and each will have a special place in my heart forever. Thank you so much Sister Cecillia, Jirasak and everyone else for allowing me to come here, it was by far the best experience of my life and I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to come here!

Cady Graves: cadyg123@gmail.com

22 years old
Loma Linda, California