My Experience As A Volunteer At Houston Methodist Hospital

Six years ago, I began volunteering at Houston Methodist Hospital. Although it began as an early effort to gain experience in the medical field, over the years volunteering transformed into an activity that not only resonated with my professional interests, but also showed me the pleasure of dedicating my time to patients, their families, and the medical team. I had been on the receiving end of medical care due to personal or family illness for as long as I could remember, and there was an unwavering sense of sympathy and at times, empathy that drove me to do my best for patients and their loved ones.
Through my frequent interactions with familiar and new people, I was reminded of the importance not only of compassion, but also of our differences. I learned immediately, through practice and observation, that the most effective treatments and positive experiences for patients are fostered when providers and recipients of care acknowledge and respect these differences. I began to recognize and value the

From providing administrative assistance in the surgical outpatient center to talking to patients in the geriatrics unit, my time at Houston Methodist challenged me to frequently adapt to change. Starting a new volunteer assignment entailed being unfamiliar with department protocol and personnel, and I had to be honest with myself about the existence of my limits and mistakes. I had to take responsibility for my actions and be comfortable asking for help when I needed it.
While at Houston Methodist, I had to manage my time and values effectively given that I was also committed to my classes, a job, extracurriculars, and Rice’s Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA). This level of involvement required self-awareness and self-discipline for me to be able to fulfill my responsibilities while remaining true to my values and passions and once again, recognizing my