Hi, my name is Emma Rushlow, and I am so excited to be interning with the WFSU Education and Engagement team this summer. I am currently a senior at Florida State University majoring in psychology with a minor in human development, and I will be graduating this summer after completing my internship with WFSU. I am excited to challenge myself, try new things, and become more involved with the local community through this experience. <\/p>\n
I was interested in working with WFSU because I believe every child deserves access to a positive and supportive education. As a psychology major, I have learned how important child development and learning environments are in helping children grow and succeed. Every child learns differently, and understanding those differences is one of the best ways we can support children both in and outside of the classroom. Growing up, I watched many PBS educational programs and always loved the positive messages they shared. I think media can be such a powerful tool for children when it is used in a way that encourages learning, creativity, kindness, and confidence. <\/p>\n
Through working as a nanny and in a preschool setting, I have learned that children can teach us just as much as we teach them. They have taught me not to take life so seriously and to appreciate the little things in everyday life. One of my favorite memories growing up was going to the library at school and being read stories. Reading was always something I loved, but as I got older, I convinced myself that I had grown out of it. Recently, I realized my love for reading never disappeared, I just needed to find the right books again. Now, reading has once again become one of my favorite parts of the day, and I hope to help children build those same positive connections with learning and literacy. <\/p>\n
What interests me most about psychology is understanding how people develop throughout different stages of life. Even though everyone is unique, we all experience many of the same developmental phases, challenges, and emotions. Psychology has shown me how important it is to create supportive environments for both children and parents. Mental health, stress, and personal struggles are normal parts of life, and no one should feel like they have to face those things alone. That is one reason I admire WFSU\u2019s mission so much. I love that they focus not only on inspiring children through education and creativity, but also on helping families feel supported and confident. <\/p>\n
Through this internship, I hope to gain experience connecting with the community and helping create positive environments that families look forward to being a part of. I am especially excited about planning events and activities that help children build confidence, enjoy learning, and create fun and meaningful experiences together. I hope that after attending a WFSU event, children leave feeling like learning can be fun and that they are capable of doing amazing things. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"