NaDae Ingham (Class of 2027) - Volunteer work related to career goals: + 4 pts

 Volunteering at A.G. Rhodes Nursing Home was a deeply grounding experience that expanded my understanding of healthcare beyond the classroom. During my time at the facility, I assisted with resident engagement activities, provided companionship, and supported staff in creating a warm, interactive environment for elderly residents. The central theme of my experience was compassionate elder care — recognizing that dignity, patience, and presence are just as important as clinical treatment in long-term care settings.

Initially, I approached the experience wanting to be helpful, but I quickly realized that simply being present was one of the most meaningful contributions I could make. Many residents were eager to talk, share memories, or simply sit in conversation. It was both heartwarming and challenging. I was moved by their resilience, yet I also had to confront the emotional reality of aging, cognitive decline, and physical limitations. Practicing patience and active listening pushed me outside of my comfort zone and strengthened my empathy. I left each visit feeling humbled and more aware of the emotional dimensions of healthcare.

This experience directly connected to my Health Science coursework, particularly lessons on chronic illness, aging populations, and holistic health. In class, we discuss patient-centered care and quality of life, but volunteering allowed me to witness those concepts in action. I saw how emotional isolation can impact physical health and how small gestures of attention can improve someone’s day. It challenged me to rethink healthcare as more than diagnosis and treatment — it is about maintaining dignity and human connection at every stage of life.

Critically reflecting on the experience, I believe one of its greatest strengths was the opportunity for genuine, unscripted interaction with residents. However, I also think volunteers could benefit from brief training sessions on geriatric conditions, such as dementia or mobility impairments, to better prepare us for communication challenges. Even so, the experience reinforced a pattern I have seen throughout my service work: meaningful impact often comes from consistent, compassionate presence rather than grand gestures.

Volunteering at A.G. Rhodes has influenced my long-term goals in healthcare. As I pursue a career in medicine, particularly with interests in reconstructive care and health equity, this experience reminded me that innovation must always be paired with empathy. Aging populations deserve not only medical advancements but also respect, attention, and advocacy. Moving forward, I plan to continue seeking opportunities that expose me to diverse patient populations, especially in geriatric and long-term care settings, so that I can become a physician who treats not just conditions, but the whole person.

This experience strengthened my commitment to serving with compassion and reminded me that healthcare, at its core, is about honoring humanity at every stage of life.

By: NaDae Ingham