Sophia Farinacci, a McIntosh High student in the Work-Based Learning Program, is experiencing what her future career could be like while enriching lives in THRIVE.
The Work-Based Learning (WBL) program has provided Farinacci with skills not many have upon high school graduation. She wants to be a nurse or an occupational therapist helping children or adults to complete every day tasks or become more independent.
“I want to get a job as soon as possible getting out of college, and I know it will make the transition easier when I’ve already had experience juggling work with school,” she said.
Farinacci started in the healthcare pathway as a freshman. In her third year, she got to tour different locations to shadow doctors and nurses. On one of those visits, she was introduced to our school system’s THRIVE program. THRIVE is designed for students with profound disabilities, both intellectually and physically, and many of them are medically fragile. THRIVE is all one team, from teachers and nurses to the substitutes and paraprofessionals, working towards the goal of helping the kids thrive.
Sophia fell in love with THRIVE and jumped at the chance to work with nurse Niki Bowering via the WBL program as a senior.
“It’s just overall a really inspiring experience because these kids fill my bucket every day I go in there,” said Farinacci. “I drop all my previous feelings at the door and just experience life through their eyes.”
It has been an eye-opening and educational opportunity for Farinacci and one she does not take for granted. She has learned the importance of communication when you don’t have words.
“I’m supposed to help them, but they’ve been teaching me more than I’ve been teaching them,” she said. “Connecting with the students on a deeper level than words has helped me realize that it’s really important to help kids feel heard and show the world how amazing they are.”
With WBL, she goes to THRIVE for two hours in the morning on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. She often carves time out of her schedule to visit on Fridays, too.
“It’s honestly my favorite place on earth.”
“The Honor Role,” an official podcast for Fayette County Public Schools, features employees, rotating through key stakeholders, including teachers, staff, nurses, custodians, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers. Join us as we dive in and learn about their journeys, their inspirations, and their whys.
Episodes are available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and promoted on the social media channels of Fayette County Public Schools.
Episodes will also be available here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2200811.
Posted 12/3/2024
