“When I first walked in, I was definitely nervous, but I was also really excited as well,” senior Kamryn Streeter recalled.

For Streeter, this was the first day of many spent volunteering at the Helen Devos Children’s Hospital. Every Friday evening, Kamryn helps entertain the patients of the Children’s Hospital, ranging from the premature age to 23 years old.

“It feels really good knowing that I can go and interact with the patients,” Kamryn said. “They go through so much at such a young age and it’s very rewarding knowing that I can bring some sort of happiness into their lives.”

Some of that happiness comes from playing games, painting, or cracking a joke. According to Kamryn, it takes so little to make the kids happy. Even just a small gesture, like spending time with them, is enough to make their day.

“It makes me feel really sad when I go in there, seeing how sick some of the kids are,” Kamryn said. “But then again, it also makes me feel really happy knowing that I can be there and help out.”

Although at times it might be frightening going into the patient’s room, each week Kamryn looks forward to volunteering and visiting. Her friendly and compassionate personality makes her a great candidate for this type of work.

“[Kamryn] is very dependable and takes her commitment seriously,” said Lori Streeter, who is Kamryn’s mom. “As a senior in high school, she has chosen to give up every Friday evening and spend them in this volunteer opportunity.”

Mrs. Streeter believes that volunteering is something that everyone should contribute to. She has passed on her knowledge and opinion to her daughter, which is why Kamryn not only volunteers at the hospital, but also at the Cornerstone Church Infant Nursery.

Kamryn’s church supervisor, Carolyn Norkus, said that Kamryn herself is unique in her ability to work with kids. She is reliable, flexible, and amazing at making the children feel comfortable and welcome.

“[Kamryn] is an amazing young woman with a warm and friendly personality that will comfort those in her care,” Norkus said. “The ministry benefits from her personality that both volunteers that work with her and the kids in the room with her enjoy.”

Her beneficial personality and work ethic are only two of the many qualities that make Kamryn such a great volunteer. Her experiences in working with kids have helped her become closer in accomplishing her upcoming future plans.

“I want to be a nurse when I’m older and that is what I am going to major in for college,” Kamryn said. “I thought that volunteering would give me a head start and help me know what it’s like to work in a hospital with the kids.”

Mrs. Streeter agrees that the volunteer efforts will help Kamryn accomplish what she wants. Kamryn is very dependable and takes her commitment seriously, which Mrs. Streeter ultimately thinks will make Kamryn an exceptional nurse.

Norkus also believes that Kamryn’s experiences with volunteering with kids will benefit her. By working with the kids in the infant nursery, Kamryn has learned patience and compassion. This will help her to become a nurse because she will know how to deal with upset and crying children.

“Kamryn is best at making those around her feel comfortable and caring for kids when they are upset,” Norkus said. “This will help her as a nurse as she deals with unhappy and sick people.”

As Kamryn’s future nears and her high school experience comes to a close, she is well on her way to accomplishing what she wants for her life. Both her mom and Norkus are proud and have some words of advice as Kamryn enters the new part of her life.

“I would tell Kamryn to continue to be herself,” Norkus said. “She is an amazing young woman with a warm and friendly personality that will comfort those in her care. I would tell her to study hard and to keep her eyes on her goal”

Thanks to the countless hours of volunteering and giving back to the community prepares her for the difficulties and new experiences that working as a nurse brings.

“I am exceptionally proud of Kamryn,” Mrs. Streeter said. “When she decides she is going to do something, she finds the way to do it. I hope she finds happiness in any career she decides to pursue.”