Date: 5/15/21
The pandemic changed life as we know it for everyone around the world, but especially our pediatric patients. With in-person volunteering being suspended to protect our buddies, we racked our brains on how to offer emotional and mental support without being physically present. Beatrice Torres found a way to adapt to the change by making virtual storytelling and arts and crafts videos.
Currently a senior at the University of Texas-Austin, Beatrice began her StudentsCare journey a little over two years ago, in the Hospital Buddy Program at Dell Children’s. In these two years, Beatrice has been able to connect with patients on a personal level, while hearing their stories of resilience. As an aspiring physician, Beatrice feels that StudentsCare has helped her understand the true essence of empathy and compassion, better enabling her to enter the medical field. “It is truly an honor to build trust and friendship with kids who are amidst one of their biggest storms. Instead of being angered, they continue smiling and spreading love and kindness,” Beatrice says. Beatrice’s favorite memory of StudentsCare is when she met a buddy who shared her hometown, the Rio Grande Valley. Their mutual love for their home enabled Beatrice and her buddy to bond on a deeper level, spending hours talking about Mexican heritage and how much they missed it. “She reminded me of my younger sister,” Beatrice says.
When asked to describe StudentsCare in one word, Beatrice chose “empowering,” because she believes StudentsCare gives buddies the tools they need to succeed. Thank you, Beatrice, for empowering us and for sharing the care!
Author: Mukta Vibhute, Program Intern