samantha singer

I want to become A child life specialist.

I plan to complete my Child Life preparation through Western Michigan University, since WMU offers the coursework and training needed to become a Certified Child Life Specialist. My goal is to continue through WMU’s Child Life pathway so I can build on the classes I’m already taking and stay connected to the department I’ve grown so much in. WMU feels like the right place for me because I already know the program, the professors, and the academic support, and I want to continue my training in an environment where I feel confident and supported.
I’m interested in pursuing graduate-level work that focuses on Child Life, child development, pediatric stress, and family-centered healthcare. I want a program that gives me strong clinical experiences in hospital settings—especially in areas like surgery, emergency medicine, or oncology—so I can learn how to support children and families during the hardest and most stressful moments of their lives.
Because of my own medical experiences growing up, I’m especially drawn to programs that emphasize trauma-informed care, coping support, and emotional regulation. I want to deepen my understanding of how children process medical experiences and how Child Life Specialists can help them feel safer and more in control.
The types of graduate paths I’m considering include:
Completing WMU’s Child Life coursework certification
Continuing into graduate-level Child Life or related fields through WMU
Pursuing advanced study in Child Development, Family Science, or Counseling
Completing a clinical Child Life internship through WMU’s recommended placements
Overall, I want to stay at Western Michigan University for my Child Life training because it aligns perfectly with my goals, my major, and the work I see myself doing in the future. WMU has already helped me grow academically and personally, and continuing my Child Life education here feels like the right next step as I work toward becoming a Child Life Specialist.

In my free time, I love being around kids and helping them learn through play, which is a big part of why I’m so passionate about Child Life. I also enjoy making digital designs, collages, and aesthetic photos, especially with my Polaroid. I love shopping for home décor and beauty products, organizing my space, and decorating my apartment to make it feel cozy. I’m a huge fan of WMU football and hockey games, and I love journaling, wellness activities, and making country music playlists. Spending time with my boyfriend, family, friends, and dogs is really important to me, and I also enjoy watching comfort shows, taking small trips between Michigan and Illinois, and discovering new places to explore.