Jessica is a student at Arizona Christian University, majoring in Family Studies. In the future, she hopes to be a family therapist for children with disabilities. She grew up in Brentwood, California with her papa, dad, mom, and sister.
Jessica is the senior events coordinator for our ACU chapter Senior Buddy Program, helping to plan events and activities. She is especially proud of an event she organized at our partner facility, MorningStar Assisted Living. Jessica explained, “the event was held during December, so I decided to do an ornament decorating party. At this party, I had other volunteers come out and we painted ornaments with some of the residents at MorningStar. I learned after the event that we had the largest number of residents participate, more than at any other event. I loved watching some of my friends get to interact with the residents. It was a very fun event, and I am excited for what we do next at MorningStar!”
Jessica also volunteers in the oncology and hematology unit at Banner Thunderbird Children’s Medical, as part of our Hospital Buddy Program. Working with the children in long-term care at Banner Hospital has helped her gain new perspectives. “Volunteering in the oncology unit can sometimes be hard but getting to make a child smile and getting to hear them laugh is an entirely new type of joy,” says Jessica. “These children have a hard life and being able to give them a little joy makes my day every time I volunteer.”
“I am so thankful for all the memories this program has given me! StudentsCare has allowed me to meet many different people, from different backgrounds, with many different stories. This type of exposure equips me for the career I hope to have in the future.”
Thank you, Jessica, for your commitment to StudentsCare and our buddies!
