“What do you want to be?”, the most vexatious question echoing through my ears during every Serbian gathering. I recall myself searching for an answer acceptable for my Serbian community, especially for all the grandmas asking me every Sunday. Yet, I neglected to determine what I truly wanted to be.
Years later, I started volunteering at St. Luke’s Medical Center in the summer of my sophomore year, and little did I know how transformative this experience would be. Initially, I came in as any high school student with the intent of earning volunteer hours for my school’s National Honor Society. I wanted to choose an undemanding job: flower desk. It was an adequate job, but certainly tedious. Consequently, I arrived to the conclusion that there …show more content…
Most of the patients who enter the HBO Unit are disabled with chronic wounds related to their uncontrolled diabetes; despite their poor quality of life and marginalized status in society, most of them are optimistic with bright spirits. During my time volunteering in HBO, I have gotten to meet so many of these delightful and riveting people and have gone on to befriend them all. One of my favorite patients is Jeffrey, the most delightful person one could ever meet. He always knows how to brighten someone’s day. We bonded over my knowledge of the Serbian community and our favorite places in Milwaukee. I always look forward to seeing Jeffery every Monday and Thursday to continue getting to know him better. Another beloved patient is Henry. He may be one of the most hilarious people I have ever met: he always has a great joke up his sleeve. I love to hear how his family is doing down in Mississippi and his love for Marvin Gaye’s music. Furthermore, Henry is gifted in the art of falling asleep quickly. He is typically found using his gift in the waiting room, snoring. I always look forward to him blasting Marvin Gaye throughout the hospital and to hearing his snoring every Monday, Tuesday, and