Jamesville-Dewitt High School students are going above and beyond to help others this holiday season. Many students spend their time volunteering, specifically at hospitals. These volunteers are what define our school, and contribute to the theme that J-DHS couldn’t possibly stress more: “Other people matter.”
Two students who volunteer at Saint Joseph’s Hospital are junior Pranathi Adhikari and freshman Nate Bourcy. Adhikari and Bourcy are mainly positioned in the lobby, greeting new patients and visitors. “It makes you want to be a better person because you see that a lot of people are less fortunate than you, and people are dealing with a lot of things that you are lucky to not have to deal with,” said Adhikari. “Giving back is a big part of volunteering, but I am also interested in the learning experience offered,” says Bourcy
Saint Joseph’s Hospital isn’t the only hospital where J-D students volunteer. Sophomore Lucas Bort volunteers at Upstate Surgery Center. At the hospital, Bort helps put together anesthesia kits and do other small tasks. Although spending free time surrounded by sick people may not seem ideal, Bort loves it. “I can tell they’re in a lot of pain, but it’s nice to kind of to brighten their day,” said Bort.
Sophomore Neel Patel volunteers at Crouse Hospital. Patel transports both patients and equipment. He agrees that giving back is one of the best parts about volunteering, and enjoys learning about the patients and their histories. He also says it will look very good on his college application, especially because he’s looking into going to med school. “You get to see the high intensity and pressure systems that they face, it’s truly amazing,” said Patel.
Although this article shines lightly on only a few that volunteer at hospitals, there are many more who spend their time helping others. From Helping Hounds to the Samaritan Center, many organizations receive additional help from J-DHS students. With J-DHS students going above and beyond to personally grow through their volunteering experiences, it plays into the motto “other people matter.
