Picture of Sarge, yellow lab puppy with a Christmas Plaid Bandana
This month brought around the end to what felt like one of the quickest semesters' of my life. We finished up with renal/pulm and the GI/neoplasia modules. I really was able to secure my studying to a level I felt comfortable and satisfied with and noticed the difference in my grades paying off. Personally, I think I struggled the most with the fact that our lectures were taught by multiple different faculty, who all test and word questions differently, so I really had to be confident in the material. However, I think it made my studying better, and I enjoyed learning from so many different professors. They bring in so many different perspectives about medicine.
Furthermore, I also did two big things for my community service. The first is the next chapter of a long volunteer journey. In mid- November, I welcomed in Sarge, my next puppy in training from United States Veterans Service Dog. I will have Sarge for 14-16 months and teach him many commands to prepare him to be a service dog for a veteran. This is especially dear to my heart, because the organization donates the dogs to the veterans. Most trained service dogs cost $30,000 to $50,000. We have started our basic training with learning his name, sit, potty training, kennel training, and basic socialization. I am not paid to do this, so it is a huge commitment, but the most amazing experience. I learned I was getting Sarge the same week I learned that my first dog, Ramsey, graduated as a skilled companion for a girl in Atlanta, Georgia with the organization Canine Companions for Independence. With my break, I will continue to train Sarge, and use the free time to socialize him to various public places. We also get to give them their vaccines, which is hopefully great practice for my future.
Additionally, I helped work with a Honduras drive through Ochsner Therapy and Wellness. Hurricane Iota, a category 5, completed devastated Honduras and Nicaragua this past month. We organized a drive to get baby clothes, baby formula, medications, food, water, and other basic supplies to the people of Honduras. I both donated some baby clothes and non-perishables, and worked to collect the items and organize them to be sent. I was able to use my very basic conversational language to work and communicate with the hispanic community around here to help raise awareness. We sent all the items a week ago, and I just got word that it as delivered.
Service Hours: 7
