January 2025 Blog

 

  • Monthly Community Service Hours(includes Dec 2024): 20 Hours
  • Cumulative Semester Service Hours (December 2024+Spring 2025): 20 Hours

-Note: The 20 hours that I have for this month includes the 14 hours I did in December after the fall 2024 semester ended and the remaining 6 hours includes volunteer service from the month of January.


 

Happy New Year! It feels great to be back and get back into my school route as well as diving into my coursework. However, I can already tell it’s going to be a hectic semester. With 17 credit hours on my plate—up from 15 last semester—this semester will definitely be busy. On top of academics, this is also the semester I begin the exciting process of applying to PA school and finalizing everything I’ve been working so hard toward. 

 

This semester has started strong with an engaging module. I’ve especially enjoyed the Case-Based Learning (CBL) session, where we’ve been focusing on contraceptives and the variety of options. Contraception is such a relevant and important topic; especially given how often it’s featured in current news and public discourse. One of my favorite parts of this module has been Dr. Lindsey’s lectures on Progestins and Androgens. Having some prior familiarity with these topics made the material even more enjoyable to learn, and I very much enjoy her teaching style

 

Outside of academics, I’ve been getting a head start on my community service! In December, I participated in an Angel Tree program, which was such a heartwarming experience. For those unfamiliar, the Angel Tree allows you to “adopt” a child in need by shopping for gifts on their wish list for Christmas. I picked an angel for an 8-year-old girl and went shopping at Walmart for everything she requested. To make the experience even more special, I brought along the girl I babysit, who is the same age. She helped me pick out the gifts, and it turned into a fun activity for both of us. I’ve attached a picture of all the gifts we picked out! While I’ll never get to meet the little girl who receives these gifts, it warmed my heart knowing I could help provide her with a Christmas full of joy and toys. 

 

In addition to the Angel Tree program, I also began volunteering at the Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. Over the span of three weeks, I dedicated around 18 hours to helping out one day a week, spending about six hours per visit. Most of my time was spent assisting nurses with various tasks, like delivering juice and water to patients’ rooms. Volunteering at the hospital was incredibly rewarding. Not only did I get to contribute to the care of these young patients, but I also had the chance to interact with residents, doctors, and PAs. These interactions further solidified my decision to pursue the PA route. Navigating the hospital itself, however, was a challenge—I got lost more than once! Despite that, the experience was invaluable, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help in any way I could.

 

As this semester gets underway, I’m feeling optimistic about the growth and accomplishments it will bring. Between challenging courses, PA school applications, and community service, I know it’s going to be a busy yet fulfilling few months!






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