August 13th, 2010
CTMC junior volunteers learn lessons, make impressions

Left to right, front row: Jeremy Regalado, Angelo Ortunio, Jonathan Roppolo, Christian Reyes, Hospice Coordinator Abby Hurst , Katlin Carbajal, Brianna Campos, Volunteer Coordinator Belinda Gardner, Elizabeth Hernandez, Cassie Montanez and Vianey Villalpando. Left to right, back row: Matthew Brannagan, Zach Hagen, Joseph Silva, Scott Hurst, Damien Silva, Casey Jezisek, Emile Jezisek, Emily Lawrence, Rebecca Cox and Ryan Silguero.

STAFF REPORT

While some students were taking a well-deserved rest from their classes this summer, Central Texas Medical Center (CTMC), 1301 Wonder World Drive, welcomed 40 young people, ages 13-18, onto the hospital campus as part of the Junior Volunteer Program.  Each of the students spent five weeks of their summer learning from CTMC staff. The students put in around four hours a day, five days a week.

The program matched the students with senior volunteers. The partnership benefited the participants with lessons in courtesy, professionalism and strong work ethics. The junior volunteers served in all areas of the hospital. Several of the students have been volunteers for all five of the summers in which they were eligible.

After completing his first year with the program, Zach Hagen said he plans to return next year. Rebecca Cox, a 15-year-old San Marcos resident, completed her third year with the program this year.  She assisted with packing medicines for CTMC’s mission trip.

“I really liked helping people,” said Cox. “It gives you a real look at the careers in the hospital.”

She is considering training to be a pharmacist in college.

“The Junior Volunteers learned valuable life skills, such as community service and business etiquette, that they will one day use in their future careers,” said Belinda Gardner, CTMC’s volunteer services coordinator.