ChristianaCare has once again opened doors for young, aspiring healthcare professionals through its engaging Summer VolunTeen Program. This nine-week initiative, held from June 17 to August 16, 2024, provided an extraordinary platform for students aged 14 to 18 to immerse themselves in a hospital environment, contribute meaningfully to their community, and cultivate invaluable skills for their future careers.
Real-World Hospital Experience for Aspiring Medics
For teenagers contemplating a career in medicine, the ChristianaCare Summer VolunTeen Program offers an unparalleled glimpse into the realities of hospital life. Kayla Brigandi, a student from Strath Haven High School, attests to this firsthand experience. “It’s a great experience, especially because I’m interested in going into the medical field,” she shared. The program allowed her to learn “what it’s actually like in a hospital and a setting that I’ve never really been exposed to before,” providing clarity and direction for her future aspirations.
This past summer, 89 VolunTeens infused ChristianaCare hospitals with their youthful energy and fresh perspectives. These dedicated young volunteers played a crucial role in supporting both patient care and administrative functions, all while benefiting from the mentorship and guidance of seasoned healthcare professionals.
Diverse Roles and Departments: Explore Healthcare Careers
The program’s structure allowed participants to explore various facets of the healthcare system. Sayuri Karnick, a student at MOT Charter School, highlighted this diverse exposure as a major highlight. For her, the best aspects were “seeing all the different health care workers, different departments and just getting experience to know this is what I want to do and where I want to work.” This exposure is instrumental in helping young individuals solidify their career paths and understand the myriad opportunities within healthcare.
Making a Real Community Impact and Developing Professional Skills
Margarita Rodriguez-Duffy, director of Volunteer Services, emphasizes the dual benefit of the ChristianaCare Summer VolunTeen Program, both for the community and the participants themselves. “This program is a fantastic way for teens to get involved and make a real difference in our community,” she stated. Beyond community service, the program is designed to foster professional development. “They bring so much energy and fresh ideas, and in return, they pick up professional skills and important experiences that can impact their academic and career decisions,” Rodriguez-Duffy explained.
Patient Interaction and Personal Growth: More Than Just Lab Work
While some VolunTeens, like Aashish Prashanth from Wilmington Charter, enjoyed the “lab experience,” the program offered much broader benefits. Aashish noted, “I think my favorite part is interacting with the patients themselves. Talking about their lives and giving them something to do during their time in the hospital is enjoyable for both of us. And they give good advice.” The program fosters crucial interpersonal skills and emphasizes personal growth alongside professional development. Rodriguez-Duffy further highlighted the program’s focus on commitment and practicality, stating participants “gain experience, make new connections, and contribute to a team that values their enthusiasm and dedication, truly emphasizing ChristianaCare’s commitment to love and excellence.”
A Transformative Experience: Witnessing Teen Growth
The ChristianaCare Summer VolunTeen Program is not just about acquiring skills; it’s about personal transformation. Mack Rubano, a fellow Wilmington Charter student, appreciated the social aspect, saying, “It’s really fun to meet a whole different range of people all the time.” Rose Wessells, manager of Volunteer Services, beautifully summarized the program’s impact: “My favorite part of the Summer VolunTeen Program is to watch the magical transformation of the teens from when they enter our doors in June to when they depart in August. At times, it has brought tears to my eyes to see the emotional and social growth in these young students as a direct result of our program.”
For teens inspired to make a difference and embark on a journey of personal and professional growth, applications and detailed information for the Summer 2025 VolunTeen program will be accessible here starting in February 2025.
