Novant Junior Volunteer Reflection

As a Novant Junior Volunteer, I learned the “behind the scenes” work of the hospital. From learning how tests are performed to what is done with the results immediately after is fascinating. It was interesting to see how a branch of biology can be viewed by different lenses, depending on your specialty.

During the summer of my high school years, I volunteered in various areas of the hospital to get a glimpse of which parts I was most interested in. My first year volunteering, I was placed in the Cardiovascular unit. I was given the opportunity to speak to patients getting ready for testing or treatment. I learned about the importance of patient interaction and what things to say or not to say. Not only that, but I learned more about the tests

run to evaluate the strength of the heart. In fact, the lab technician graciously showed me how an EKG worked and indications of an abnormality. This experience further motivated me to continue in the program that following summer. My second year volunteering, I was placed in the Dialysis unit. Often, I would reorder and organize supplies. Whenever the doctors were available, they would explain to me what they do and show me around. The nurses were very welcoming, and I can only hope to learn to be as patient and kind as them. My third year volunteering, I was placed in the child development center. I experienced a lot of interaction with the babies, instructors, and parents. Every day I walked in the daycare, I was always greeted with a smile from the babies. This was probably my most favorite area of volunteering. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the kids and babies. In fact, this experience positively impacted my decision on future career plans.
From my interactions with patients, families, and hospital staff, I am more inclined to pursue a field in medicine: specifically, pediatric surgery. Playing with the babies and kids made me realize what I thoroughly enjoy doing. Listening to doctors and staff tell me about successful patients that went through treatment inspires me to be that change in someone else’s life. Additionally, I became more serious in considering my specialty after being diagnosed with eczema, a skin disorder. My dermatologist was the one who helped me manage my outbreaks, whether it was by prescribing creams or taking general preventative measures. Every effort of his was truly valued when my eczema began to slowly reduce. Knowing how significant a dermatologist was in my life, I seek to be a small part of this noble profession and spread that same passion for medicine to kids. I hope to achieve this by taking rigorous and challenging classes in college with a pre-med track. Taking classes like this in high school has geared me to be more likely to thrive in college level classes. Knowing how mentally taxing medicine can be, I hope to overcome these struggles and make the most of my college experience.
Through this volunteer experience, I have gained leadership, communication, and teamwork skills that I continue to utilize to this day. Aside from learning these valuable skills, volunteering at the hospital provided insight on whether medicine is the right fit for me. I am glad I had the opportunity to volunteer for Novant Health Presbyterian and further my educational career.