Jonida Konjufca was not sure what she wanted to do professionally before she enrolled in the Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS), but her professors and coursework soon opened her eyes.
“I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. HDFS has done a great job and supports every student possible,” Konjufca says, “If it wasn’t for HDFS, I probably wouldn’t know where I want to go in life, but now it’s amazing to have that idea of ‘Yeah, this is exactly it.’”
Konjufca wants to be a child life specialist who helps children and their families navigate illness, disability or hospitalization. In the fall of 2024, with the support of human development and family science faculty (particularly undergraduate director and professor of practice Colleen Cameron), Konjufca launched the Syracuse University chapter of the nonprofit Project Sunshine, which facilitates play sessions, called Here to Play, at children’s hospitals nationwide.
“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 says. “The play sessions help normalize life during a hospital stay for children, which can often be an unfamiliar experience.”
The Syracuse University chapter of Project Sunshine partners with Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital and arranges for students like Konjufca to visit the hospital for play sessions with patients. Activities include painting, coloring, using stickers, and making “slime” out of shaving cream. The space at Golisano is filled with playroom items such as books, dollhouses, a piano, and video games to help children feel at home during their hospital stays.
Konjufca says her experience with Project Sunshine and Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital has been fulfilling.
“One of my first events I was solo and was just starting it and I had a mom tell me her son hasn’t come out of his room in a really long time,” Konjufca says. “And so, she said, ‘I’m happy to see him do crafts, even if it’s just for 30 minutes, he’s getting out and doing something.’ She was very appreciative.”
Here to Play sessions occur every month for a two-hour block. All University students, regardless of major, are welcome to join Project Sunshine.
“It’s a really fun thing to do, even if you’re not on the child life specialist route,” Konjufca says. “It gives you diverse experiences and it’s a rewarding feeling. You get to come do crafts with kids. Every time I leave, I’ve had so much fun.”
For those interested in joining the Project Sunshine chapter at Syracuse University, the non-profit shared the following message:
Come volunteer with us!
If you’re interested in becoming a part of the Syracuse Project Sunshine Chapter, we would love to have you! Please reach out to Jonida Konjufca at Syracuseu@projectsunshine.org for more information. Alternatively, you can also apply to volunteer with Project Sunshine through our Volunteer Opportunities.