Child life students represent WMU with conference scholarships

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University graduate students Stephanie Lamos and Nicole Variot participated in the Great Lakes Association of Child Life Professionals' annual conference at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Their attendance was made possible through scholarships awarded by the association to students excelling in a child life degree program. 

At the conference, the students engaged in a dynamic gathering featuring keynote speakers, networking opportunities with child life professionals, insightful sessions focused on career advancement and preparing for internships and practicums.

"The association did a great job of tailoring to the student experience of getting into the field of child life, which is extremely competitive," says Lamos. "Getting to hear from students and professionals that didn't go through Western's program also gave us tips and different perspectives."

According to Variot, her and Lamos' reputation preceded them.

"It is a huge thing being associated with Western because a lot of professionals and hospitals know that we have such a great child life program," explains Variot. 

"When they find out we are a student of Karin Rourke (WMU's child life program coordinator), they know that we are being taught well and learning all the things that we need be successful," adds Lamos. "I feel like that connection played a big part in why I got my practicum at the Michigan Children's Hospital. And I know in the future it will open up the doors for more opportunities."

Child life at WMU

The child life track in Western's Family and Consumer Science M.A., provides students with the necessary educational foundation to pursue a career in child life or a related field. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the child life specialist certification exam. To learn more, visit the program webpage.

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