Kelly is a nursing student at the University of Central Florida. She joined StudentsCare three years ago and has serves as UCF Chapter President.
“I joined StudentsCare because I really loved the program’s goals of helping children and families (and older adults!) get through really challenging times. I also wanted to get some experience in the hospital setting prior to beginning nursing school,” says Kelly. “Volunteering to me is such an important thing to be a part of. It really teaches you so much about compassion and friendship. I got to learn so much in just one shift at the hospital as well as meet so many people that I will truly remember forever. StudentsCare really opened my eyes to the healthcare setting and inspired my path to becoming a pediatric oncology nurse. StudentsCare is such an amazing program as it allows you to work one-one-one with patients and families, provide companionship, meet college students at your university, while also getting to learn about how the hospitals work and everyone’s role on the floor.”
Kelly’s favorite memory as a hospital buddy was getting to play with a patient for hours in the playroom. “The previous week I was there, the same child was really wanting to play, however, following his treatments and procedures he wasn’t feeling up to it. I made sure to float down to that floor and ask his nurse if I’d be getting a playroom visit and she assured me he had been waiting all week for me to come back! We played for hours, which was such a special experience to be a part of. This day of volunteering, along with many others, was such a fulfilling feeling. I am so grateful for the opportunities StudentsCare has given me!”
Thank you, Kelly, for your hard work and dedication to StudentsCare and your chapter!
Learn more about volunteering and find a chapter near you.