Senior Grace McLaughlin plans to continue her passion for helping children. She plans to become a pediatric physician assistant after graduation.
Grace McLaughlin: Passion for Volunteering Creates Big Dreams
Tuesday, February 20, 2018 | Gymnastics
This Gator senior has contributed more than 660 hours of community service during her Gator career.
Senior Grace McLaughlin's aspirations go far beyond the gym walls. Her love for volunteering with children has guided her college experience, and she hopes to continue making an impact on their lives for years to come.
"I really love working with children, and I talk a lot about how it's kind of like planting a seed," McLaughlin said. "No matter what part you play in a child's life, whether you're a teacher, medical practitioner or even volunteer, you're planting a seed in that child that is going to grow into something."
McLaughlin has known her passion for community service since she was in high school, but once she was in college she had a harder time find a major that would make her dreams come true. After switching her major five times, McLaughlin will graduate with a degree in family, youth and community sciences, as well as an education minor.
After graduation, McLaughlin will take a gap year to finish some courses and gain more work experience before she heads to school to become a pediatric physician assistant. This career path will allow McLaughlin to combine her love for youth and medicine.
McLaughlin is no stranger to this combination. She has worked at the Florida Diabetes Camp as a medical counselor for the past three summers, where she takes care of the campers' blood sugar and nutrition. She also educates them on how to handle their diabetes.
Florida Diabetes Camp has inspired McLaughlin to one day open her own nonprofit. It would be a camp that gives children who have chronic illnesses, mental disabilities and learning disabilities a chance to have the experience of an overnight camp.
Many times McLaughlin will see her campers at home meets. She knows many of them want to be athletes, but regardless of their dreams she wants them to be the great at whatever they do.
"They don't need to be limited by their medical condition. So that's what I love providing for them," said McLaughlin.
In addition to being a student athlete, McLaughlin has brought in more than 660 community service hours. Finding the time for that seems nearly impossible, but she describes volunteering as her outlet.
"I have found that when your heart wants to be somewhere for something, you will make time for it," McLaughlin said.
Being a University of Florida gymnast has provided McLaughlin with many opportunities. She got involved with the Florida Diabetes Camp because of a former teammate. McLaughlin describes gymnastics as a platform for having a voice and volunteering.
"I'm not just an athlete," McLaughlin said. "I am more than that. I am a student, a volunteer and a mentor."
Players Mentioned
BB, FX
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