A volunteer’s story

As a volunteer at a big hospital, I learned so much more than I expected to learn. Even through the simplest tasks like distributing tea or cookies, I learned the important values of communication and respect. I also learned a lot about empathy, teamwork, and how hospitals are their own little worlds.

One day, I spent time with a patient who hadn’t had any visitors. We talked about her garden, her dog, and her favorite foods. Before I left, she said, “You made my day feel normal again.” That stuck with me. Small moments like this made me want to get into the healthcare field even more.

Volunteers don’t always see the big medical stuff, but we do see the human side. We see how lonely it can get in a hospital room, or how stressful it is for families. Sometimes all someone needs is a kind word or a little company.

It might not sound like much, but I believe that it makes a real difference.