Hey there, fellow adventurers! I’m a 10th-grader with big dreams of becoming a doctor, and I recently embarked on an exciting journey as a volunteer at a health and wellness fair organized by the King County Promoters Network. Buckle up because I’m about to take you on a rollercoaster ride through my day filled with unexpected twists and valuable lessons.
The Backward Vest: My adventure began with a little wardrobe malfunction – I accidentally wore my volunteer vest backward. It was comically oversized, but I rocked it nonetheless.
Choosing My Role: I didn’t want to be just another errand-runner; I craved a patient-facing role. So, I mustered up the courage to ask for it, and guess what? They were totally on board with my enthusiasm!
Language Superpowers: Surprisingly, they wanted to know if I had any superpowers, aka language skills. I revealed my fluency in both English and Spanish, little did I know how handy that would come in later.
Snack Shenanigans: In the teacher’s lounge, I discovered a treasure trove of snacks, including delicious fruits. I made a heroic decision to skip the muffins and coffee to keep my energy levels soaring.
Multilingual Atmosphere: The fair was a linguistic fiesta! I met people fluent in American Sign Language, English, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Arabic, and Russian. It was like the United Nations of wellness!
Health Screening Galore: The fair offered an array of health services, including flu shots and health screenings, including cholesterol checks, blood pressure measurements, and BMI assessments. I even snapped a pic of my own health check results for posterity.
Money Talks: Some visitors wanted to chat about the not-so-fun stuff: finances. It was a reminder of the need for accessible and affordable healthcare.
Youngest Volunteer: I proudly wore the badge of being the youngest volunteer, I was determined to make my mark on this incredible day.
Height, Weight, and BMI, Oh My! People lined up to get their height, weight, and BMI checked. Their info was recoded on trusty paper packets.
Lost in Translation – No More! My language skills came to the rescue as I helped some patients bridge the language gap, translating info into Spanish like a true language superhero.
Lessons in Accurate Blood Pressure: One unforgettable lesson: don’t make patients climb stairs to the second floor before checking their blood pressure. Trust me; it’s not a good idea!
Cholesterol Chronicles: Cholesterol testing involved a finger prick and blood analysis in a not-so-fancy machine. Some needed a second prick to get that blood sample.
Machine Misadventures: Our testing machines weren’t high-tech as they were acquired through fundraising. Occasionally they decided to take a nap or throw tantrums. It was a lesson in thinking on your feet!
Med Students in Action I rubbed shoulders with second-year med students from the University of Washington, some of whom I’d met before. It was inspiring to see future doctors learning and growing.
Band-Aid Technique: I witnessed a med student teaching another how to put a band-aid on a glove, leaving one flap unattached to prevent it from sticking to the glove. It was a small but practical tip.
Skin Disinfection Debate: There was a debate among the med students about whether to dry the disinfected area of the skin before procedures. It was a reminder of the constant learning and adaptation in medicine.
Nutrition Advice: One memorable interaction was when the med students advised a Spanish-speaking patient concerned about her daughter’s weight. They asked about exercise and diet and provided valuable resources like Michelle Obama’s ‘My Plate’ information.
Needle Nervousness: I encountered patients who were scared of needles, a common phobia in healthcare settings. It reminded me of the importance of empathy and gentle care.
Warm Greetings, Short Wait: Every med student greeted patients warmly, creating a comforting atmosphere. With 12-15 minutes per patient, it was a whirlwind, and I managed to assist 10 patients during the day.
My adventure at the health and wellness fair was an absolute blast! It deepened my love for the medical field, taught me about communication, and showed me the ups and downs of healthcare. This day reinforced my dream of becoming a doctor, and I can’t wait to keep learning and growing in this amazing world. A massive shoutout to the King County Promoters Network for this epic experience!
