Final Thoughts

 You need a conclusion blog answering your initial questions -- how are child life specialists navigating the covid context? What did you learn from this study?  What are you doing next?

How do I wrap up almost five years of study into one concluding blog post?  Well, I can start off by saying that I learn more from this project than I ever thought I would.  Originally when we drew up my plan of study and I was to have an internship at Hasbro with the Child Life Specialists - I thought that would give me everything I needed to know and an overwhelming wealth of knowledge.  But of course, we all know how that turned out - and I figured there was no way I could gain the knowledge elsewhere.  So coming into this capstone project, I was excited but still nervous about not getting all the information I wanted.  Who knew that COVID would be so beneficial to me?  I feel as though because having my interviews during COVID, I gained knowledge that I would have never gotten from an internship.  Once COVID hit, interns were no longer allowed into the hospitals, so again a blessing in disguise.  I feel as though because I got to learn from my interviews about how they are now providing services to their patients and families during the time of COVID, I also learned how to navigate through the uncharted waters that Child Life Specialists are facing.  With no definitive end in sight for COVID I feel as though I can work with children and families in almost any capacity and assist them during these crazy time.  Whether that mean talking to them over a zoom meeting, using unconventional play therapy techniques, or aiding in finding resources that they need.

I have had conversations with the assistant superintendent of Cranston Public Schools to talk about what they can provide for a job there.  And I had an interview at Bradley Children's Hospital last week for a residential care counselor, which I told them I do not want but it got me in the door and talking to the head of HR.  It is a great talking piece to say I graduated from RIC with an individualized masters in Youth Development.  I get to direct the conversation to the courses I picked, why I chose them and what knowledge I gained.  I don't know many people who get that opportunity.