Sequoia Grantham, MS ’26, has always had a passion for psychology and has extensive experience working with children. As she explored careers that combined those interests, she discovered the field of child life. “I love the idea of bringing fun and light into rooms filled with darkness, especially for kids and families who are processing new diagnoses,” Grantham said.
Grantham’s time at Azusa Pacific University pursuing her Master of Science in Child Life has allowed her to connect with others who share her interests. “My favorite part is being able to connect with people who are pursuing the same field who are from different backgrounds and paths of life,” Grantham said. “I like building a community and support system with my cohort.”
APU also shaped how Grantham thinks about incorporating her faith into her future career. “One thing that I have learned is that you don’t have to verbally speak about God, but that you can show your faith through your actions,” said Grantham. “In the medical field, you don’t always have patients who are religious, so being the light, being kind, showing all the fruits of the Spirit is something I apply to my everyday life and during my internship as well.”
Grantham’s experience at APU has also extended beyond the classroom through her involvement with the Child Life Student Organization, where she has served in a leadership role and connected with other students who share her passion for child life. “Being a leader has taught me to be more organized and how to be creative with planning events,” said Grantham. “Just recently, we went to a school’s career day and made blankets for children going through last-minute foster care placement.” Through the organization, she has helped build a community where students can learn from one another, share their experiences, and support each other as they prepare for careers in the field.
Through her education and internship experience, Grantham has also developed a greater appreciation for the role child life specialists play in supporting children and families. “Many people don’t know what child life is,” Grantham said. “It’s very important, especially for parents, to know that they are their child’s voice, and to teach them how to be an advocate in their treatment.”
Although Grantham has loved her experience at APU, moving from Illinois to California to pursue her education was challenging. “I chose to be obedient to what God was calling me to do and dropped everything to move to California,” Grantham said. “The most challenging thing was that I did not have a big support system out here at first.” During moments of solitude, her faith helped her continue forward. “I reminded myself that God keeps His promises,” said Grantham. “My professors are so supportive, and they’re very focused on the students, so that helps a lot.” After finishing her program’s coursework, Grantham moved to Iowa to pursue her child life internship at Blank Children’s Hospital. “My mom and dog made the move with me, and it has helped Iowa feel more like home as I began my internship,” said Grantham.
As she looks toward the future, Grantham is excited to pursue her goal of becoming a child life specialist. “My dream job is to become a facility dog handler as a child life specialist,” Grantham said. “A facility dog handler is just somebody who has a dog trained specifically to support the person who is the handler. In this case, a child life specialist will go to patient rooms, and depending on what the patient’s needs are, the dog will be right there to help.” She hopes to use that support to help children cope with procedures, receive comfort, and engage in therapeutic medical play.
While Grantham does not know exactly where her career will take her after graduation, she is trusting the process and looking forward to what comes next. “I am putting it in God’s hands, and I’m excited to see what place He’ll have me at next.”
Whatever comes next, Grantham hopes to carry the same purpose that first drew her
to child life as her career: bringing light into difficult situations.
Ultimately, Grantham hopes to use her career to bring comfort to children and families
during some of their most difficult moments.