For my 2021 Winter Term project, I learned how to crochet. I gained skill and competence in the art by creating hats to charities and children's hospitals local to Cleveland, Ohio. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, taking the time to slow down during the month of January to focus on a relaxing and creative pursuit is was extremely therapeutic and supportive of my overall well-being. Crocheting can be a great tool to use for coping and can ground you during times of uncertainty. Knowing this craft can help me manage stress in the future when I am feeling overwhelmed. Since I have learned this skill, I will be able to, hopefully, teach it to others as I continue to improve, too. After college, I hope to become a child life specialist and work with children facing extended hospital stays. Just as crocheting served as a therapeutic and calming activity and coping technique for myself, I can see it working as such for hospitalized children as well. Through this project, I  learned more about the use of crocheting in a therapeutic setting, particularly with pediatric patients. Finally, I also learned about the unique needs of my community and the local hospitals/organizations, including how COVID-19 has affected those needs and the donations they receive.

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