Arianna Walker has a knack for gaining the attention (and admiration) of kids. Whether it’s because she’s a Husker athlete in track and field, studying to become a pediatric healthcare professional, or because she’s grown up helping care for all her little cousins, Walker welcomes the love.
"My biggest goal in life is to inspire other people to follow their dreams," Walker, a senior majoring in psychology, said. “I've always been good with kids, and I’ve always wanted to be an inspiration for them.”
This goal is what led Walker to intern with CEDARS this summer, a local organization that supports at-risk children. From helping with injuries to communicating with parents, Walker’s role at CEDARS provided her with invaluable experience that aligned with her career aspirations in pediatric care.
"Seeing my mom recover from a life-threatening surgery when I was younger sparked my interest in medicine. I knew I wanted to be in the medical field and help others in the same way."
Her internship at CEDARS wasn't just about supervision — it was about making connections and learning how to communicate effectively with children.
"You have to talk to kids at their level of comprehension," she said. "Understanding kids' needs and helping them understand you is crucial. This experience definitely improved my communication skills and gave me a deeper appreciation for helping my community."
Walker is also gearing up for the Husker Athletics service trip to Ecuador, where she and fellow Husker student-athletes will build classrooms for local kids.
"Being in America and a student athlete with all these privileges, it’s a huge life lesson to see how people navigate life without the resources we have."
And while Walker embraces her role model status for kids around the world, she said it’s especially meaningful in Nebraska.
"Everything I do is for my family and to inspire kids like my younger cousins," she said. "In Nebraska, we don't have a ton of pro sports, so Husker athletes are like superheroes to these kids. To be that inspiration for them is really touching."
