I am passionate about studying and promoting child health and development. I am preparing to become a child psychiatrist, and I have pursued this interest in a variety of ways. In addition to learning through my work as a baby-sitter and nanny, I have served as a church nursery and junior church leader, elementary school teacher and teaching assistant, special education teacher, and substitute teacher, and tutor for students in all subjects, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. I volunteered in a hospital's occupational therapy department, completed a nursing assistant program, and took courses to become certified in CPR/AED for the professional rescuer and First Aid. I have taken a broad spectrum of courses at Cambridge University, Wheaton College, Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design and Harvard University. In addition to courses on human development, learning, and best educational practices, I took courses that would enable me to teach children any subject using active, innovative methods. I am interested in preparing children to be curious, creative, and caring. In school, the home, and the community, I work to develop children's confidence and desire to explore and contribute to their worlds. During my own childhood, I was given the opportunity for enrichment not only in traditional academic subjects, but also in art, drama, writing, several musical instruments, numerous sports, and foreign languages. I was taught the importance of learning about other cultures through travel and hosting exchange students. I was shown the value of giving back to the community through volunteer work and service projects. I try to give the children I care for the same opportunities to develop their interests and use their talents to improve the world.