Find Your Own Bliss by Jaimee Anne

Find Your Own Bliss by Jaimee Anne - May 2018 Scholarship Essay

Getting involved in the community is one thing but finding bliss and growth from what you are doing is another. My experience with volunteering may not be something extraordinary for others, but it is one of my life experiences I value the most. As an individual who is eager to learn more about the medical field, I decided to volunteer at an Assisted Living Facility (ALF). Nurses, Nursing Assistants, Therapists, and other medical staff members were present during my experience as a volunteer at the ALF. They were always there to give guidance and care, depending on the residents’ needs. As a volunteer, I observed and learned, grew as a person, and realized that life should be more appreciated.

When I started high school, I was undecided; I did not know where to go, which program to get into, nor what I wanted to become later in life. So, I started out little by little. I joined the special program in our school called the Center for Wellness and Medical Professions program. Being in this program throughout high school, I have seen the broad field of medicine, which fascinated and encouraged me to pursue a career in medicine. With that said, in my junior year of high school, I decided to volunteer at an Assisted Living Facility to gain experience as a part of a medical team.

On the first day I volunteered, unfamiliar faces, looks from residents, and a quiet environment welcomed me. I must admit, it was quite intimidating at first. As the day went on, however, residents became comfortable around me and exchanged smiles as I get to know them.
During my volunteer experience, I was trained how to approach and take care of residents, particularly by serving their assigned meals as well as assisting them during lunch and dinner times. I started out by replenishing coffees and liquids for residents, giving them creamers or sugars, and other materials they needed. Of course, I was informed by Nursing Assistants who could and could not consume certain food products, for allergic reactions and other complications might occur. During my experience, the residents were very friendly and even complimented every little help that I offered them, which really touched my heart. Some residents engaged in small conversations, which showed me their hospitality and how they enjoyed a younger individual’s company.

As I observe the medical staff deal with different situations ranging from simple to complicated events, I have seen how hard they work. I saw how they prioritized the residents’ needs before theirs, which was something that really amazed me because it takes passion and zeal to be able to do such kindness for others. In addition, the staff members and I organized activities for entertainment; bingo, puzzles, and live music shows were some of the activities we prepared. As a volunteer, I only went during lunch and dinner times, which means that my time with them was limited. However, I enjoyed every single moment I spent at the facility with the kind-hearted residents as well as the medical staff members. Even though I was not given total independence to provide aid for the residents – due to safety protocols – I am positive that I provided quality time with them. In fact, I decided to volunteer during Thanksgiving lunch and saw big smiles and endless laughter from the residents, which you would not typically encounter on a daily basis. This totally warmed my heart because being present for that special day and seeing how happy the residents were really made me feel like I found my genuine bliss. With the live guitarist player/singer, residents were clapping along and dancing to the beat of the music while sitting in their wheelchairs, smiling, and having a wonderful time with their families.

My volunteer experience at the ALF lasted for more than six months, and eventually, had come to an end. Junior year is over, but I got something that will always be in my heart, and that is having a positive outlook on life. From then, I tend to turn darkness into brightness. Due to this volunteer experience, I realized that we should value our lives more rather than complaining and putting our focus on the dark side. Bills to pay, grades to maintain, and daily struggles in life may sound depressing, but we should at least try to look on the positive things in life because one day, these things that you have right now will be gone. The residents at the facility were once in our position; they were students, employees, and young once in their lives. However, the clock never stops ticking. Our time is limited. We should make the best out of every day; do things that you have never done before. Smile; have fun. Enjoy, before it is too late; before you cannot stand up on your own, dance to your favorite song, and express your love to your family and friends. Do not wait until you get older to appreciate life, because once you get older, little things like Thanksgiving dinners and visiting your relative who is in an Assisted Living Facility, will matter the most. Now is the time to appreciate life. Every day should be appreciated because not everybody wakes up to a beautiful sunrise.