Guiding Light Hospice
Guiding Light presented me with opportunities to support grieving families while directly engaging with patients and residents in meaningful ways. I was able to work with the Bereavement Department in San Antonio to organize supportive mail-outs for around 100 families, helping them through the grieving process. I also promoted engagement and joy in senior care centers by organizing games, running bingo rounds, leading arts and crafts activities with a Girl Scout troop, and serving treats like coffee and donuts. Through interdisciplinary team meetings led by physicians like Dr. Carlos Palacio and Dr. Ang, I gained insight into hospice operations, including patient admissions, recertifications, and end-of-life care planning. I participated in patient visits, celebrated birthdays, painted nails, read stories, and provided caregiver relief by visiting a patient’s home when their caretaker was away. Additionally, I helped with donation efforts for Hill Country victims. These experiences strengthened my sense of compassion, deepened my understanding of hospice care, and taught me the importance of small, thoughtful actions in bringing comfort to others. Volunteering at Guiding Light Hospice has truly been transformative.
#HOURS: 130+
Summer 2025
Methodist Hospital
Volunteering at Methodist State Hospital was a very enriching experience that helped me grow personally. Rotating through departments like Radiology, Cardiology, and Pre-Operation taught me how each role contributes to patient care and sparked a deeper interest in pursuing a career in medicine. I developed important skills such as organization, communication, and adaptability by assisting with patient records, managing deliveries, and preparing rooms. Helping at the NICU Reunion event also gave me a chance to connect with families and support the hospital community in a more personal way. This experience strengthened my empathy and taught me how to interact with people in vulnerable situations. Now, I have a greater appreciation for the teamwork and dedication required in healthcare, and I feel more confident in my ability to contribute more meaningful work in the future.
#HOURS: 120+
Summer 2025
San Antonio State hospital
Through my volunteer work at the San Antonio State Hospital , I contributed to several behind the scenes efforts that supported fundraising and hospital operations. I helped organize clothing for the “Trinkets and Treasures” fundraiser, which involved sorting and preparing donated items for the event. I also assisted in preparing for a 5K charity run by organizing paperwork into folders and ensuring everything was ready for participants. During this time, I took a tour of the new hospital and helped set up for an upcoming event, which gave me a deeper understanding of hospital logistics. Additionally, I sorted hardware gloves and created laminated signage for patient visitors to improve navigation and communication throughout the facility. These tasks strengthened my organizational skills and showed me how even small efforts play a crucial role in helping larger missions succeed.
#HOURS: 35+
Summer 2025
San Diego Diplomacy
Council
In the summer after my freshmen year, I had the oppurtunity to attend a week long environmental sustainability internship with the San Diego Diplomacy Council.
Working in a simulated “State” with assigned GDP, government, and environmental conditions, my group faced the Freshwater Crisis—completing a nearly finished hydroelectric dam that would provide energy but harm neighboring ecosystems. While my group initially supported finishing the dam, I proposed adding a four-year spillway while developing solar and wind alternatives. I secured funding from other states, ensured economic stability, and helped reach a solution that was both diplomatic and eco-friendly.
#HOURS: 25
