VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Crisis Test Line Volunteer

Volunteering with Crisis Text Line has provided invaluable experience in helping individuals navigate crises. My role centers on building trust through emotional connection and effective communication, emphasizing safety plans that instill hope. Both extensive training and post-training experiences have sharpened my skills in crisis de-escalation, emotional support, and action planning. One memorable experience involved assisting someone battling addiction. Together, we identified strengths and alternative coping strategies, creating a safety plan that renewed their hope. This rewarding experience continues to shape my path toward psychiatry.

Medical School Course Tutor

Volunteering as a tutor for respiratory, gastrointestinal, and principles of clinical medicine courses during my second year was highly rewarding, involving over 20 hours of one-on-one sessions. Having benefited from tutoring myself, I valued the opportunity to give back. Assisting peers in overcoming challenges and succeeding was fulfilling. A memorable session with a distressed student not only led to their academic success in the class, but also boosted their confidence. Finding joy in others' success reflects a key quality I bring to my future career in psychiatry.

Roadside Assistance for Ironman 70.3

Volunteering at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship and witnessing peak athleticism was astounding. Although my role was modest—offering food, water, restroom breaks, and support to elite racers—I took pride in contributing to the event. I believe that physical health fosters emotional well-being, a principle I strive to embody in my own life. I deeply value supporting causes that are important to both myself and others, as it fosters deeper connections and lasting relationships, ultimately enriching our communities.

Special Needs Volunteering

During my undergraduate years, I volunteered with special needs organizations, including Best Buddies, where I was paired with an individual with intellectual disabilities. This experience opened my eyes to the unconditional love and kindness often shown by those with special needs. Over time, our friendship has grown as we have attended holiday parties, game nights, and sporting events, creating cherished memories. His support and genuine affection have profoundly shaped my understanding of empathy, enhancing my appreciation for the human experience. This relationship has become a guiding force in my approach to patient care, emphasizing the importance of compassion, patience, and genuine connection in fostering healing and understanding.

Kinesiology & Vestibular Research Volunteer

I assisted in conducting research associated with the Kinesiology and Health Science Department at Utah State University, accumulating to 18 hours. The research project I helped run investigated the vestibular system and determined whether continuous random electrical stimulation resulted in vestibular habituation and if so, to quantify the level of habituation. Throughout this, I was able to take part in the testing process by setting up volunteers with the stimulation apparatuses, explaining the researching process with them, and afterward analyzing test results.

Hygiene Kits

Many women often find themselves in challenging situations, prioritizing the needs of others while neglecting their own well-being. For some, concerns about safety and survival leave little room for attention to personal hygiene and health. I was grateful for the opportunity to assemble hygiene kits for these women, recognizing the profound impact that basic necessities can have on their dignity and health. As a student physician, I am committed to promoting health equity for all individuals, and this initiative exemplified a simple yet meaningful way to support those in need. Contributing to this effort reinforced my belief in the importance of addressing both physical and emotional health, especially for those facing significant hardships.

Foodbank Service

Volunteering with the St. George and Salt Lake City Foodbanks has been a rewarding experience. Many underprivileged families in Utah face food insecurity, often with service opportunities overlooked. As a father of two young daughters, my compassion for children and parents in need deepens. Contributing to the foodbank reassures me that, even as a medical student, I can support the health and well-being of our community.