Reflective Essay: Why I Volunteer To Graduate High School

The start of my senior year was most definitely an interesting one. I was now a second year Running Start and I had completed all but a few credits required to graduate high school. This was a unique year because of the changes that I knew I would have to look forward to in the upcoming months. I had accepted a job as a science and math tutor at Tacoma Community College, I was now focusing heavily on my undergraduate degree(s) and I could now look forward to college and scholarship applications. Despite all of those obligations, I still found time to volunteer. I currently spend my time volunteering at a local hospital where I meet and interact with patients, nurses, doctors, and other essential hospital staff. My job is rather simple: direct …show more content…
Despite the best efforts of the nursing staff, many nurses have often disclosed their lack of time to spend with each patient. I however have plenty of time to spend, and many patients take full advantage of it. For some, I am the only person who will listen to their stories of childhood memories or their experiences in a war fought miles away, yet they tell their stories with joy and enthusiasm. At the end of our conversation many patients are often smiling and visible happy, satisfied with the time we spent. I found that this experience has been very rewarding, and I have learned a lot about myself and my community. I learned a lot about patience and understanding, empathy and compassion, and communication and kindness. Meeting with people in some of their lowest points in life has encouraged me to continue my pursuit of a medical career, but has impact the way that I meet and connect with people. I can honestly say that this opportunity has allowed me to witness first-hand the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover," and it has allowed me to practice what is meant by the saying. Each person I met had a unique story to tell and it was often well worth the time spent