3/4/2021
Monzer Alatrach, a senior at the University of Texas-Austin began his StudentsCare journey in 2018, as a Buddy in our Hospital Buddy program at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas. We asked Monzer to share his favorite memory with his Buddy and he told us about a time he helped give his buddy an impromptu dance party– the nurses and doctors even joined in! Monzer said “It was a really fun experience and my Buddy was really enjoying the music and having a good time dancing. I personally do not prefer to dance, but seeing the smile on my Buddy’s face as they danced to the music was really touching and I could not help but dance a little as well!”
When not dancing, Mozer and his buddy like to play with Legos, one of Monzer’s favorite childhood activities. “Growing up I had lots of Legos and I loved building new sets. Being able to spend time with my Buddy and share that excitement of putting all the pieces together to make cool buildings or cars was very rewarding.” Monzer said he helped his buddy make the “coolest and fastest” Legos car.
Since visitor restrictions were put in place due to Covid, Monzer has recorded storytelling videos for his buddy and others hospitalized children to enjoy. The videos can be found here on our website. He has found joy in telling stories that he enjoyed as a child and sharing them with the kids.
When asked to describe StudentsCare in one word, Monzer says “inspiration” because the patients he has volunteered with have been an inspiration to him.
Monzer- you inspire us too with your passion and dedication to your buddies. Thank you for being a student who cares!
Author: Emily Bono, Program & Communications Associate