Putting Kids First

His service internship at Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Loma Linda was unlike anything Raymond Morris ’23 had ever experienced before.  

The babies and children here are medically fragile, with some in vegetative states and many unable to communicate verbally. 

Morris, a communication sciences and disorders major, was given specific tasks to complete, like read to the kids or try to help a child with their hand grip. His brother, Noah Morris ’23, interned at the same time, and together they would create cheerful posters to put up on birthdays and celebrations.

Some children rarely received visitors, and “it’s hard to see that,” Morris said. “At the same time, I was very appreciative that I got to be here. Even if the kids may not have known what I looked like or even remembered me, it made an impact. I was there to make a difference.”

Morris has always been good with kids, and it was no surprise that he wanted to do a community service internship that helps children. He is now earning his Master of Arts in Education: Learning and Teaching (MALT) degree from the School of Education and a fourth-grade student teacher at Mariposa Elementary School in Redlands.

When he talks to people about what he did before teaching, Totally Kids is the first things that comes to mind.

"I take a lot of pride in it,” Morris said. “You’re leaving a mark and something you can be remembered by.” 

Being in the classroom puts Morris on the receiving end of community service efforts, with parents coming to volunteer their time.

“As a teacher, you are very appreciative of people who participate and take the opportunity to help,” he said. “They want to do something.”