Science by Profession, Arts by Passion

Art by Jack

Grace Kim, a volunteer at the mentoring program Walk With U, has been with CAA some time now. As most of our volunteers are working professionals, we see a number of different perspectives and background come together at CAA. Here is a short sharing about how she found CAA and how it has impacted her professional life.

Volunteering with the arts program has opened my eyes to the breadth of creativity of the human mind. I am a student nurse and in nursing, there is very little room for creativity, which is rather a shame, because I see both science and art as equally important disciplines to express the world that we live in. Over the course of the didactic and clinical portions of my nursing education, I have discovered that Art is an outlet for a human need which I don't have in nursing.

I was seeking a change of scene from the cold and clinical world of science and found a welcoming place around great artists and gifted minds through the arts program in Chinatown.

I have been volunteering since February of this year and each session has always been a combination of humbling, challenging, and fun-filled.

When the quarantine went into effect this spring, I found the transition into virtual sessions to be surprisingly pleasant, being in the comfort of home--although I can’t wait until the time I can see the children and celebrate God’s artistry displayed through their artwork once again.

Nursing is rooted in enhancing the quality of life, safety, and primary care needs of diverse patients, and I find building relationships and spending time in the presence of these exceptional young artists will be invaluable to becoming a promising nurse in service to the Lord and the unique needs of my patients.

- Grace Kim, WWU volunteer