.png)
During the summer break, many, including our sister Rachel Zee, choose to volunteer in their communities or pursue professional possibilities. Rachel, a senior studying biochemistry from Hollywood, FL, spent a portion of her summer running a program at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital for high school students interested in pursuing medicine.
Tallahassee Memorial Hospital (TMH) operates this volunteer program for a mere thirty rising junior and senior high school students. The program is still somewhat novel, having just been implemented in the previous decade. It serves as a three-week program for any individual who is considering a career in healthcare. To be accepted into this program, a student must have demonstrated significant academic success as well as positive qualities such as empathy, responsibility, and an exemplary work ethic.
Rachel was originally introduced to this leadership opportunity by a friend who helped develop the program at TMH. A primary motive for taking on this position was a desire to help expose student volunteers to new experiences and help them learn through interacting with different units within TMH's. In response, some of the 30 students gained confidence in their decision to pursue a career in medicine, while others learned that medicine was not an ideal choice for them. Rachel stated, “It's vital to understand the profession you're interested in, pursuing medicine is a lengthy journey, and for an industry like medicine, early exposure is crucial for people wondering if this path is the right fit.”
Her responsibilities included arriving at the hospital as scheduled to help set up the meeting space occupied by the program participants, as well as arranging for speakers to come in the morning and afternoon to speak to the students about the responsibilities of their specific roles in their unit and in the hospital's operations. Rachel also maintained regular communication with several units at TMH, guiding pairs of student volunteers to visit one unit in the morning and one unit in the afternoon, shadowing a staff member while also conducting some independent work.Rachel's position within this program placed her in a mentor-like capacity, with thirty student volunteers acting as her mentees, providing her with valuable insights.
The most difficult moment occurred when the students questioned Rachel regarding how she discovered her motivation to pursue medicine. In that moment, Rachel recognized her significance as a mentor and reminded her mentees of the significance of discovering their own motivations. Emphasizing the value of everyone's unique experiences. Rachel's capacity as a mentor also provided her with wonderful moments, such as when the program concluded, and she received cards and gifts from the students to show their appreciation for her efforts. Establishing connections with each other, staff members, and notably patients. "Being in a hospital sucks, and you never know how much you can change someone's day by being nice and caring," and “part of the program is to make those connections with patients.” Rachel explained.
Through this program, Rachel formed lifelong friendships and learned valuable lessons, most notably the importance of keeping an open mind. Every day, she broadened her perspective with the student. "Every single person that came to speak to us or when visiting patients, each interaction taught us all something new," said Rachel.
We are beyond proud to call Rachel our Beta Mu sister. Keep up the excellent work!
Comments