Concluding my volunteer experience is a reflective moment for me. When I began this journey, I was anxious, even with my past experiences working at senior homes throughout high school. I had never worked in hospice care, and this experience required higher levels of compassion, understanding, and patience. Throughout my time here, I have encountered profound moments of joy, sorrow, and personal growth. Even on my first visit, the image of the smiles on the residents’ faces as I spoke with them remains in my memory. As I reminisce about moments like these, I smile too, knowing I was able to connect with and support wonderful patients. This experience has shaped my perspective on life and death and has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of human connection.
I shared many special moments with patients throughout my volunteer experience. One of the most profound connections I had was with “Mary,” the first patient I met on my initial visit. She gave me and my fellow volunteer the warmest welcome and was excited about the idea of having people sit with her for a conversation. She spoke about her childhood, sharing many stories about how different life was when she was growing up. When we visited her a second time, we formed a deeper connection while discussing our passions. Upon learning that I was a medically focused student, she wanted to share her love for healthcare as well. Hearing about her experiences in medical practice further inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare. Now, as I reflect on these special moments, I realize how impactful the residents’ life stories have been on my volunteer experience and my calling to be a caregiver.
Hospice volunteering also gave me a newfound appreciation for the resilience of families and caregivers. I met loved ones of residents who, despite the pain they endured, continued to stay strong. Their resilience inspired me and made me aware of the strength I will continue to build as I pursue a healthcare profession. Another lesson I learned was the power of simply being present for patients. There were moments when I questioned whether what I could do as a volunteer was enough to make a patient feel better. However, I came to understand that they simply needed someone to listen to them and be present. Through this, I realized the deep human need not to feel alone but to be heard and valued.
As I conclude this experience, I will miss the patients, their families, and the kind hospice staff. However, I know that the lessons I have learned will stay with me as I continue on my journey in healthcare. My experiences in hospice serve as a significant motivator for my mission to provide care to the best of my ability. Working in hospice has equipped me with better communication skills when interacting with patients and their families. I have built strength, deepened my understanding of others’ situations, and realized the power of human connection. These skills will be invaluable in a healthcare profession, where communication, compassion, and resilience are essential to delivering the best care.