First-Time Blogger

Disclaimer: This is my first blog ever, so don't be surprised if it's lacking in creativity or depth and you happen to fall asleep halfway through the first sentence.

When I first heard about this project, I was a tad bit stressed because I already volunteer 6 hours a week at both Texas Children's Hospital and at Ronald McDonald House inside TCH. I'm also taking 19 hours this semester, so it's going to take some mad skills to try to set this up. Then again, I always seem to figure things out, so it's not impossible. Either way, I know I'm going to end up volunteering more than 10 hours. I don't think I would have much of an impact if I showed up an hour a week and then packed up as soon as my quota was reached.

I haven't had a chance to contact any of the clinics yet because my schedule for the semester is still up in the air. If I start researching again with Dr. Palasota, that will be on Wednesday afternoons, which would only leave Tuesdays and Thursdays after 4p open. So much for me coming home somewhat early on those days...

Last week, I looked at the list of clinics we were given, and after researching them, I narrowed it down to San José Clinic. (Little did I know that everyone and their mothers picked that same clinic.) Anyway, I chose it because I pass by it all the time when I go to work (Minute Maid Park), and I know my way around there. Also, it is a ministry of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston, which is a plus for me because I'm Catholic. Most importantly, they offer a range of services to their patients, unlike most of the other clinics, which concentrate on specific things, such as dentistry or counseling. Then there's that moral dilemma I have about sexual health clinics, so I had to stay away from those.

I hope to go to med school, and I think this would be a great opportunity for me to see different aspects of health care, which I would not otherwise have a chance to do. Despite my apparent negativity about this project, I actually enjoy volunteering, especially at RMH, where I get to bake cookies for the kids and their families in ICU. I've never volunteered in a clinic setting before, so I'm really excited to see how it'll turn out.

Wow, I wrote WAY more than I expected. I'll save some for next week.