"Be there for them and let them know there is someone out there that cares about them and can come and talk to them and enjoy spending time with them," said Monica.
People can see that Monica has grown that effort into something much more.
"True friendship. It's only been a few months, but you would think she knows our patients for years," said Mick Parisi, volunteer coordinator.
As 18-year-old Monica spends time with her older friends, she gets inspired about her future.
"It's very, very interesting to hear what she's gone through and what she's seen in her life. That I can't wait to now see myself and makes me want to travel and kind of see some of the things she's done," said Monica.
Monica says she's learned a lot about the fragility of life and what's important.
"Be grateful for the time I got to spend with her and learn about her life and how she let me into her life and to become a part of her everyday life in her final moments," said Monica.
Adding warmth, caring and friendship to lives well lived, she is our Cool Kid, Monica Parra.
