January 2021 Community Service

 On January 16th and 23rd, I visited a nursing home to accompany the elderly during these lonely times of COVID-19. Volunteers were being sought out, as many residents were experiencing an increased level of depression. Being a graduate student from Tulane University School of Medicine in need of service hours  sparked hope in the tired eyes of the overworked staff members when I offered my help. That moment made me realize just how much of a national impact Tulane’s name has, especially in terms of community service! I had previous experience working with geriatric patients as a former mental health technician and Psychometrist, and knew they weren’t the only ones who would benefit from this experience. I spent two hours each Saturday hanging out with and talking to some older folks who couldn’t have their families visit them. It was great to make new friends and be helpful for people who had been losing hope. The experience has even been uplifting for me, as it has given me a rewarding feeling that I had not felt since having to leave my job due to the pandemic. Making a positive impact in people’s lives is my ultimate goal in life, and every day I am ecstatic to learn more ways to make that happen. The elderly have a lot to teach! We should spend more time listening.

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