Volunteer work related to career goals (per year): 3 points - Jadyn Franklin

 

(3/20/2026 Submission)

Reflection on Participation in Ballet & Books Volunteer Program:

Critical Evaluation:

My participation in Ballet & Books, a program dedicated to promoting literacy and confidence among young girls through dance and reading, is a meaningful and purpose-driven volunteer experience. One of the greatest strengths of this activity is its unique integration of movement and education, which creates an engaging and supportive environment for the youth. By combining ballet instruction with reading sessions, the program encourages both physical expression and intellectual growth, fostering confidence, discipline, and self-esteem in the girls we serve. I also value the opportunity to build genuine connections with the participants, serving not only as an instructor but also as a mentor and role model. However, one challenge is maintaining the discipline of the large group. We do a great job of keeping them with a packed schedule to keep them engaged, but the ranged age group can provide some difficulty with keeping everyone on task. This could be improved by implementing a reward system of some sort for good behavior or mobilizing faculty support.

Synthesis:

This experience closely aligns with my academic interests in healthcare and my commitment to serving underrepresented communities. Through my coursework and volunteer experiences, I have developed an understanding of how early exposure to supportive, enriching environments can positively influence long-term health and developmental outcomes. Ballet and Books reinforces this concept by demonstrating how confidence, literacy, and self-expression are interconnected and essential to overall well-being. My enjoyment in working with the youth, specifically through education, mirrors my passion for addressing health disparities in healthcare, by recognizing that health outcomes are shaped long before patients enter clinical settings. This program continues to demonstrate how community-based work serves as preventative and empowering tools that also complements future medical care.

Impact:

Participating in Ballet and Books has strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in medicine, particularly in fields allowing me to work closely with women and children. It highlights the importance of building trust, fostering confidence, and addressing the social determinants of health from an early age. This experience has encouraged me to continue seeking volunteer opportunities combining education, mentorship, and wellness, as these are critical components of holistic care. Moving forward, I plan to build on this experience by remaining involved in community-based programs, expanding my role in mentorship, and exploring ways to integrate health education into similar initiatives. Ultimately, this experience has reinforced my aspiration to become a physician who not only treats patients but also actively contributes to the empowerment and development of the communities I serve. 

Sincerely,

Jadyn Franklin, Class of 2027