More than a Cup of Coffee by Meghan
Meghan's entry into Varsity Tutor's April 2022 scholarship contest
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More than a Cup of Coffee by Meghan - April 2022 Scholarship Essay
When I became interested in music therapy, I knew that I wanted to help people while using music. There were so many populations of clients of various ages and abilities that it was hard to narrow my focus and interest. As I was finishing my sophomore year in music therapy, I looked forward to three months of a summer break and searched for an outlet for my time. I soon discovered an opportunity to shadow a music therapist and volunteer at a local hospice. As a volunteer, I would visit patient rooms, sing and play the guitar, and learn song requests. I already had experience with singing and playing for older adults and was excited to use these skills in my community.
After a written application, phone interview, music audition, and lots of orientation paperwork, I was ready to begin. I showed up for my first volunteer shift and was met by confusion from the hospice staff and employees. There has been a mistake with communication between volunteer directors and this hospice location, for which I was scheduled, did not have a music therapist who could train or supervise me. Instead, the volunteer supervisor on site suggested that I stay at this location as a general, non-music volunteer. I was disappointed but was willing to try this alternative volunteer job.
My new duties consisted of replacing room linens, making and delivering coffee, and answering general questions. At first, I felt incredibly unhelpful. It was hard for me to see how making and delivering coffee could make an impact or help others. This was until I met someone who changed my perspective. When I entered the patient’s room, I did not see the normal blank walls in an empty, dreary space. Instead, pictures of the patient, memorabilia, and cards from family and friends were scattered around the room. The patient’s daughter received her cup of coffee from me with a smile and invited me to sit with her for a while. After an hour of discussion, I learned more about the unresponsive patient and her rich and adventurous life as a pilot and later teacher. Taking a breath and pausing, the daughter shared how much she enjoyed talking with me. In a hospice where there are so many patients who may look the same, it meant a lot to her that I could spend the time to understand the life and spirit of her mother.
I never did get to experience the music volunteer position and instead continued to act as a general volunteer at the hospice for the summer. I visited with this family as well as many others. For the patients with no visitors, I often sat with them, read their favorite books out loud, or discussed interests like sports and movies. I learned that beyond our material necessities, whether that is a cup of coffee or new towels, sometimes what we need most is someone to listen. The presence of someone in your room, holding your hand, is enough.