Callie Grey graduated from the University of Mississippi last May with a B.S. in biochemistry, and in August, she will attend at the University of Mississippi Medical School.

But this year is all about getting experience with kids.

“I think I want to do something in pediatrics,” she said. “I’m not sure what exactly, maybe pediatric cardiology or pediatric infectious disease.”

Grey said she thinks this year of working at the YMCA will help her in her future career.

“It has helped me to communicate with kids better and understand their needs and how I can help them,” she said. “It’s taught me a lot for sure.”

Grey said she’s learned a lot of lessons about working with kids they didn’t teach in her biology and chemistry courses.

“It’s taught me a lot about patience and general understanding,” she said. “They don’t teach you how to be patient and compassionate in school. You definitely get that from working around kids.”

Grey started working for the YMCA in June at the residential summer camp, Warner-Tully, but since then she’s worn many hats.

“I figured it wouldn’t be too bad to work for the Y,” she said. “It’s a big community organization, and it helps me get more involved.”

She worked day camp later that summer, and now she works as a director and counselor at Bowmar Elementary School’s prime time program. Grey also she fills in at the nursery at the Purks YMCA.

“I would mop the floors if they needed me to,” she said. “I do whatever. If they need me to fold towels or fold brochures — I’ll do anything.”

Grey said at prime time she prepares snacks, helps lead devotions and tutors students.

“For Easter I brought Easter eggs with candy, and we took popsicle sticks and we glued them to make a cross that the kids painted,” she said. “That was my idea, and I was pretty proud of it.”

Grey said she loves working with kids.

“I like working with kids because kids can’t always speak for themselves, so when an adult can connect with a kid and really understand a child, you can help them find their voice,” she said.

Purks YMCA Program Director Mille Wolfe said Grey picked up the jobs quickly once she started working with the YMCA.

“Callie is one of the most responsible people I have on staff,” she said. “She’s always willing to go and do whatever is asked of her and more.”

Wolfe said this summer Grey will be working as the afternoon director at Wilkinson-Ver Beck.

“I love her; the kids love her; life is good,” she said.