Syracuse Sun

Jonida Konjufca, a student in the Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS), has found her calling as a child life specialist with the help of her professors and coursework. She expresses gratitude for the guidance she received, stating, “I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. HDFS has done a great job and supports every student possible.”

Konjufca aims to assist children and their families dealing with illness or hospitalization. In fall 2024, she established the Syracuse University chapter of Project Sunshine, a nonprofit organization that conducts play sessions at children's hospitals nationwide. These sessions are known as Here to Play.

“Their whole motto is that play heals and so we come in and do crafts with the kids and foster a lot of play,” Konjufca explains. The activities aim to make hospital stays less daunting for children.

The Syracuse University chapter collaborates with Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital to facilitate these play sessions. Students engage patients in activities such as painting, coloring, and making "slime." The hospital's space is equipped with items like books, dollhouses, and video games to create a comforting environment.

Konjufca shares a memorable experience: “One of my first events I was solo... I had a mom tell me her son hasn’t come out of his room in a really long time... ‘I’m happy to see him do crafts.’”

Here to Play sessions occur monthly for two hours. All students are welcome to participate. Konjufca notes that it provides diverse experiences even for those not pursuing careers as child life specialists.

For more information on joining Project Sunshine at Syracuse University, interested individuals can contact Konjufca at Syracuseu@projectsunshine.org or apply through Volunteer Opportunities.