I'm 23 years old and a graduate student at Saint Joseph's University through their online program in Criminal lJustice with a concentration in Behavior Analysis. I hope to eventually become a board certified behavior analyst.

In 2007 I spent a summer at the Chinese Starfish Foster Home in Xian, China and the experience changed my life. The people running the home are absolutely fantastic and have such a passion for helping the kids! The babies all had a huge impact on me, all in their own way. I can't wait until I have the opportunity to go back! There are truly amazing things going on over there! Any money helps them tremendously and if you can send care packages they can always use the supplies. I highly recommend volunteering if you ever have the chance to go overseas!

http://www.thestarfishfosterhome.org/index.aspx 

http://chinesestarfish.blogspot.com/ 

I've always had a passion for helping others, especially kids. I currently work in special education in a Comprehensive Life Skills classroom at the high school level. We focus on functional academics and teach like skills such as washing the dishes, writing out checks, job skills, etc. I also work as a mental health technician at Willow Springs Center, a residential psychiatric hospital for adolescents. I basically work with the kids throughout the day to ensure they are first and foremost: safe. I am constantly doin checks on the kids to ensure nobody is hurting themsleves or others. I basically am there to make sure they are safe and getting the necessary tasks done that they need to get done.

Helping anybody who needs it is what my life is all about. It's a tough world we live in and if I can help ease one person's struggle than it was worth it to take some time out of my day for them.