- The Faces of Champaign-Urbana: Meet Sara Burton.
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
A: I have two cousins with a rare condition that has caused them to have frequent health care interactions over their lifetimes. Growing up with them, I knew I wanted to help improve the lives of children like them, who undergo sometimes scary or uncomfortable experiences at the hospital. It wasn’t until I was in college that I learned about the work of a Child Life Specialist, but once the connection was made, I knew that this is what I had always been looking for.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Champaign-Urbana?
A: I have lived and worked in this area since 2011.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Champaign-Urbana?
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Champaign-Urbana?
A: I only met him once, in passing, but meeting Patch Adams was a dream come true!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: I’ve always wanted to explore Italy, and am so saddened to see the devastation they’re experiencing now. I’m sure they’ll recover and look forward to traveling there someday.
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
A: Right now? I’d tell them to stay 6 feet apart! In general, I would really like to see people be more kind to each other.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: I hope to someday have a family of my own.
Q: What current/former local business makes you nostalgic about Champaign-Urbana?
A: Spending summer nights sitting outside the businesses in downtown Champaign, enjoying the company of friends, is the best! I especially love Friday Night Live.
Q: What is something unique about Champaign-Urbana?
A: We are definitely a city with a Midwestern temperament, but are also incredibly diverse. I appreciate that through the people of Champaign-Urbana, I’m always learning about different cultures and the world, in such vivid and exciting ways.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: I’d be happy to still be in Champaign-Urbana, finding new and creative ways to support children and families in the healthcare environment.
Q: (Even for friends and family) what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you ?
A: I teach line dancing on Wednesday nights at the City Center. We do one hour of lessons, then the floor is open for everyone!
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: Safe, Warm, and Comforting.
Q: If you have a full time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose? Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?
A: I think a Fitness Trainer. I’m one of those people who dreads going to the gym, but always feels invigorated I’m done!
Q: Over the past few weeks, where have you seen Champaign-Urbana “Stronger Together”?
A: I’ve seen it chalked on sidewalks and decorating home’s windows. I always appreciate efforts that show people that we’re all in this together, and that supporting your community benefits everyone.
