Learning something daily

At first glance, the Play to Learn Center does not seem to be associated with a hospital. Many of the rooms in the center have been turned into gymnasiums, filled with swings, toys and playground equipment.

The center is Glendale Adventist’s off-campus pediatric therapy center and works with children who have mental or physical disabilities, using play as a key therapeutic technique. Glendale resident Edwina Clorina has been volunteering at the center through Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena for a semester and said she learns something new from both the therapists and children every day.

“I like learning from [the children],” Clorina said. “They are the purest example of respect, commitment, fun and sharing.”

Karen Thompson, one of the center’s occupational therapists, believes that Clorina has learned a lot about the duties of a therapist.

“I think she’s definitely more curious in wanting to sit in and watch our treatment sessions,” Thompson said. “I think from there it’s really opened her up to asking more questions.”

Clorina emigrated from the Philippines without knowing what to do with an undergraduate degree in education, so she decided to take a step back and attend the Southwest Tennessee Community College to obtain an associate’s degree in education to figure out her career options.

Her professor suggested that she become a child life specialist, a relatively new occupation that focuses on alleviating the stress and anxiety of hospitalized children and their families. The occupation appealed to Clorina, who realized that she could combine her education in psychology with her passion for working with children.

“I’m happy, and confident and fulfilled as well,” Clorina said.

Today, Clorina is getting her master’s degree in human development at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena while volunteering at the Play to Learn Center. Clorina finished up her semester at the center last week having volunteered 135 hours. Play to Learn staff said they would miss her since they have come to recognize her as an integral part of the center, even though Clorina said she hopes to find time to volunteer at the Play to Learn Center after finishing her master’s thesis this year.

“Edwina brings her cheerful spirit and enthusiasm to each interaction with our children and therapists,” said Traci Martinez, the center’s manager. “The children recognize her sincerity, warmth and caring.”