Due to the ongoing pandemic, volunteering with the Wexner Medical Center looked very different than it did previously. I was able to assist nurses and other healthcare staff at their drive-through COVID test site on Ackerman Road. My main role was to record the patient’s identifying information so that they could be checked into the system and a label could be printed for their sample.

Over the summer, I was able to volunteer with the Red Cross in my home town. Due to COVID, the need for donations increased, while the procedures became more complicated in order to keep everyone safe. My main roles were as a Donor Ambassador and Donor Screener. I would register the donors for their appointment, take their temperatures, and disinfect the furniture after each use. I’m very glad that I was able to help the Red Cross continue to operate and provide blood/plasma to patients in need during these trying times.

In January, I was accepted as a student volunteer at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. I was assigned to work on a patient floor, helping nurses and patients with small tasks such as refilling supply carts, cleaning counters and other surfaces, and emptying sharps containers. Although I was only able to complete half a semester of volunteering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I greatly enjoyed it and hope to return for the autumn semester.

Today I was able to volunteer and represent the Ohio State Figure Skating Club at the Allstate Hot Chocolate 5k/15k. We spent this Sunday morning working together as a club in the merchendise tent at the event. Some of our main duties were to work the cash registers to check people out, bag items, and clean up the apparel after the race was over. Not only was it an amazing opportunity to give back to my new community of Columbus, Ohio, but I was able to enjoy time and bond with girls sharing similar passions as I have. All in all, I had a very enjoyable experience and I hope that we continue to volunteer at the 5k/15k next year!

This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to participate in my first Community Commitment, hosted by Pay it Forward. Two of my friends an I were assigned to the Olentangy River Wetlands Research Facility, where we helped to repaint a gazebo. We learned that the gazebo held numerous events, such as bird watching clubs and OSU classes. The gazebo also allows people passing on the trails to better admire the wetlands. I had an amazing time giving back, and also met some very generous people who demonstrated the importance of teamwork and kindness. There were two young girls at the site, whom I believe were the daughters of the manager. The two of them were so excited to assist in painting, and also found such cheer in providing us volunteers with water and snacks. Their level of enthusiasm towards serving others was incredible for their age. They really humbled me and inspired me to be more like them… innocent, pure, and eager to make a difference in others’ lives.