|
|
|
Hospital Teacher 2
November 28, 2007
|
For more than two years, Laurie Gill has been making rounds at the Children’s Hospital
of Southwest Florida. But instead of charts and tongue depressors she’s equipped
with textbooks and pencils.
Laurie says, “I work with pre-K through
twelfth grade students. I love teaching a variety
of subjects and I love teaching a variety of kids.” And she gets to do
just that at the Children’s Hospital. She is a full time teacher for the patients here year-round. “It’s nice to see the kids that you develop relationships with.
These kids that come back month after month, year after year that have long term
illnesses and they’re excited to see you,” she says.
Jessie Fuentes is one of those students. “Yesterday every time someone walked through
the door I was like is that Miss Laurie? She helps me out a lot she’s a great teacher,”
Jessie says. In January Jessie was diagnosed with leukemia. Soon after a bone marrow
transplant she developed complications. She’s been staying at Children’s Hospital
of SWFL since September.
Her mother, Mary-An Anguilar, says sometimes she’s in awe of her daughter’s courage.
“She celebrated her 18th birthday in here and she’s still here but she’s definitely
a fighter.” Thanks to Jessie’s determination and Laurie’s guidance, the brave girl’s
education not only continues from her hospital bed, it thrives.
Jessie says, “When Miss Laurie comes in I try to get as much done with her as I
can that way if I get too drowsy towards the night I won’t have to feel as bad.”
Her mother knows how important an education is to her daughter. “She’s very smart
and works very hard and school is very important to her. With Laurie coming not
only do I know that she’s getting a good education but she’s maintaining it.”
|
|
|
|
