Since my freshman year, I have been volunteering weekly at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin. My duties have included answering phone calls, assisting nurses with their daily tasks, and, for one semester, conducting rounds to document the frequency and quality of hand hygiene among hospital staff as part of a study on infection control. Recently, I was accepted into the College Volunteer Leadership Program (CVLP), where I mentor, train, and supervise other volunteers throughout the hospital.

Additionally, I have volunteered on patient floors at Dell Seton Medical Center (DSMC) and in the neonatal care unit at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin (ASMCA). At DSMC, I responded to patient needs, assisted with rounds, and worked with the quality and safety team to monitor hand hygiene practices. At ASMCA, I cared for premature infants, providing crucial touch time by holding and feeding them, which contributed to their development—particularly for those without family present. My time in the NICU has been especially meaningful and continually reinforces my passion for pursuing a career in medicine. If you are interested in volunteering at DSMC, sign up below!

In the summer of 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to join a seven-day clinical mission trip to Guatemala through the International Esperanza Project (IEP). Immersed in a new culture, I was blessed to serve a community in need alongside an American internal medicine physician and a pediatric dentist in a pop-up hospital. I observed and assisted with a variety of serious cases, which underscored the global disparities in healthcare access. This experience profoundly impacted me, inspiring me to brainstorm ways to contribute further, which ultimately led to the creation of the Making Your Reality journal.

During the trip, I conducted basic patient evaluations, took vitals, and performed triage for underserved families in rural Guatemala. On non-clinic days, I helped build in-home stoves for ten families to reduce the risks of burns and respiratory issues caused by open-fire cooking. I was drawn to IEP’s mission of providing hope through healthcare, infrastructure, and education, and wanted to make a tangible difference while gaining perspective on international healthcare challenges. If you are interested in donating or going on a mission trip, check out the link to IEP’s website below!

As a Pre-Med student, it’s easy to lose sight of why we work so hard. The competitive nature of the field often equates "success" with grades and achievements. To counter this mindset, I find it essential to give back to my community. I dedicate my time to volunteering at local food banks and nursing homes, and I’m always looking for new ways to make a difference. One such effort is my Making Your Reality journal, where all profits go directly to the International Esperanza Project (IEP) to support pop-up hospitals and fund IEP’s non-profit pre-school and K-12 school in Guatemala.