Not surprisingly, academics at Hillsdale College are the top priority for the majority of students. However, time outside of the classroom setting is vital, and volunteering is a wonderful outlet for those looking to put down their books.
Community Health holds a unique mixture of volunteer healthcare opportunities for interested students and is one of several GOAL programs that serve to support those within the surrounding communities.
The program works by partnering with a collection of smaller healthcare-related organizations, such as St. Peter’s Free Clinic, Early Pregnancy Loss Association, Helping Hands, and Hillsdale County Hospice. Because of this, volunteers have the opportunity to participate in assisting hospice patients, helping translate for patients and doctors, donating blood, and helping prepare for pro-life events.
Senior Elizabeth Potwardowski, the student leader of the Community Health program, encouraged students interested in pre-health studies to become involved. She explained how this work broadens students’ understanding of some of the deeper details of the healthcare system.
“For people interested in going into the medical field, this is probably the best litmus test you can do,” said Potwardowski. “It tests you on both the practical side of things in caring for the patient but also the emotional side. Unless you have experienced that, you’re not going to really know what it’s like.”
Allowing students to become involved in such a practical way outside of an academic setting highlights how special the program is. Students have the opportunity to use what they have learned inside the classroom and apply it in real-life situations.
The GOAL program doesn’t just cater to students interested in pre-health studies. It also supplies students with a program in which they can positively impact people in the community.
“It’s really rewarding to go in there and just brighten someone’s day,” said Catherine Draghiciu, a junior and student volunteer for Hillsdale County Hospice.
The work of the volunteers is greatly appreciated by the organizations that Community Health seeks to serve, as it helps accomplish a greater end.
“It has been a blessing to work with the Community Health GOAL program over the years to serve women and families in Hillsdale,” Maria Servold, president of the Early Pregnancy Loss Association commented. “The GOAL programs are such an integral part of the college and community partnership, and we hope our work with the Community Health team has helped further that.”
Helping the community in this way serves as a reminder that the point of college is not simply about the self. The college experience extends far beyond our lives as students and pushes students to live in service to others. Potwardowski described how this pursuit should be encouraged, as it holds a lasting impact not only for the one serving but those served.
“Seeing the families that you impact every day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Potwardowski.