Aloha! My name is Emma Sharp and I am a junior studying computer science at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. As much as I enjoy coding, in my free time you’ll find me on or in the ocean. I work as a scuba diver and often volunteer my skills towards local marine conservation efforts. I also love to sail and am a competitive open water swimmer. My childcare experience and love for kids goes back as long as I can remember. I am the oldest of three girls, so taking care of children has always been second nature to me because my responsibilities with my sisters started so young. Growing up, I volunteered with the nonprofit organization St. Vincent de Paul for many years, where I was able to take care of homeless and impoverished kids while their parents worked and also helped to throw them holiday and birthday parties. Additionally, I participated on a weekly basis in childcare at church, school, and with families around my neighborhood. My favorite opportunity, however, was when I volunteered as a swim instructor to teach refugee kids from Africa and the Middle East how to swim and be safe around water. I’m very passionate about childhood drowning prevention and am so grateful that I’ve been able to use my love for swimming for good. Professionally, I have worked as a babysitter and nanny for almost 2 years now with over fifty different families. This has allowed me to gain plenty of experience taking care of kids from every age group and in every way. I’ve found that my favorite thing to do with kids is what THEY love to do. Watching their smiles light up as they give me a tour of their favorite toys, paint a picture of their family, dance and sing around the house, or snuggle up with a book before bedtime will forever warm my heart. I am so looking forward to meeting you and your lovely kiddos and to all the fun memories we’ll make together! Mahalo nui loa!