“Code Blue in Room 2320,” the announcer calmly speaks through the Hinsdale Hospital intercom. Though you can tell the nurse or doctor on the other end has a calm voice, the slight heavy breathing and panting from the pressure of keeping someone alive can also be felt. I greet people in their darkest and most desperate times volunteering in the Surgical Waiting Room at Hinsdale Hospital. In fact, it is the stressful environment of the hospital where I had one of my proudest moments.

On a hot June day, I followed my typical routine driving to the hospital ready for the 4 to 6 pm volunteer shift in the Surgical Waiting Room. What started off as a normal day became one of the most stressful days in my life. Around 5:15, the blaring alarm and blinding lights …show more content…
In a split second, I stood up and with a voice that emanated confidence that I did not realize existed and commanded nearly twenty family members to follow my instructions.

“Where should I go to ensure the safety of everyone?” “How can I prevent mass panic?” My mind was jumbled and heart was racing. Prioritizing the safety of the family members, I led everyone out the hospital through the side door and toward the main entrance.

With a confident stride and a forehead of sweat, I re-entered the hospital which confronted me with a blast of freezing air. It turned out that there was just a malfunction in the alarm system. A wave of relief washed over me.

Lying wide awake on my bed that night, I was surprised by my choices and actions. It struck me that my first thoughts as the alarm went off was about the well-being and safety of everyone else instead of escaping to safety myself. I am proud that in an emergency, I was able to think and act selflessly. This event proved to me that I am transitioning from one who only takes from the community that raised me to one who can also give