Community Involvement

Biochemistry Peer Learning Assistant

Peer Learning Assistants (PLA) are students who have successfully complete a course and then return to support the learning of students currently enrolled in the same course.

In my PLA role, I assist the introductory biochemistry and molecular biology class taught by Dr. Lee, alongside two other PLAs. My responsibilities include attending class sessions throughout the week, preparing course materials, and participating in weekly meetings with Dr. Lee to discuss instructional goals and classroom material.

This experience has been rewarding, allowing me to strengthen my leadership and communication skills. I collaborate with my peers and build meaningful relationships with students to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Serving as a PLA has encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and offer guidance both in and outside of the classroom.

Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital

At Piedmont, I volunteer as a patient navigator, assisting staff and patients with various needs. Within this role, I make meaningful connections with hospital members and patients, and delegate multiple tasks at one time. I am responsible for information about each department, conducting hand hygiene reviews, and ensuring smooth operation of the hospital.

Volunteering in the hospital setting adds invaluable experience to my pre-medical journey. Having exposure to different hospital units, staff, and tasks within the hospital allows me to understand more about the roles that everyone plays to smooth coordination of care for patients.

Service Learning Project

During my time in Foundation of Health Promotion Professional Practice, we were tasked with completing a service-learning project that gave me the opportunity to give back to the community in a unique way.

I volunteered my time at Butterfly Dreams Equine Therapy as a side walker and assisted instructors by engaging with riders during their lessons. Butterfly Dreams is a non-profit organization that offers a variety of sessions in hippotherapy and therapeutic riding to improve cognitive skills. This experience gave me understanding of a holistic approach to health and wellbeing outside of traditional Western methods.

Shop With a Bulldog (SWAB)

Participating in Shop with a Bulldog (SWAB) is not only a unique experience, but a rewarding one. This volunteer opportunity takes place once a year near the holidays and allows underprivileged elementary students to shop with a student for clothes, toiletries, toys, and more.

In this program, a pair of students raise money and are matched with an elementary student to spend the day with shopping and creating a positive holiday experience. This volunteer opportunity allowed me to serve the community and spend time helping students in need.

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