Advice

As a University student, I'm always focused on myself, what I need to do, what I need to accomplish as is necessary in the academic world. However, when I step into my role of a volunteer, I have to let that go. Sometimes its hard to stop thinking about that Organic Chemistry test coming up, or the paper due the next day.At the same time volunteering isn't about yourself, its about being able to help someone else, and focus on what you can do for them. It might be as small as making craft turkeys of playing a game of Uno. At the same time you're entertaining someone. Letting go of everything that concerned me and being able to focus on someone else became one of my favorite parts of volunteering.

At the same time, I would advise people to not be shy. As a volunteer people don't mind you approaching them, and often welcome the company. Its intimidating to approach a treatment room and enter. You see people in a very vulnerable positions, but being able to do something for them, even as small as grabbing a DVD can be the best feeling. Just knowing you were able to make their visit the tiniest bit better is amazing.

Also, don't be afraid to ask the health professionals questions. You're there trying to help, and they're more than happy to explain things.