Kaitlyn Nice
Giving and Volunteering in America
Freshmen Year Spring 2023 Semester, Honors Contract
I completed P105: Giving and Volunteering in America, my Freshman Year Spring semester. This class focused on the art of giving back to the community, the history of philanthropy, and connecting volunteer service to real-world problems and different majors at Indiana University, Indianapolis. For this class, I volunteered at the Riley Ronald McDonald House, interviewed a non-profit leader, created a thoughtful PowerPoint connecting philanthropy to nursing, and presented to my professor. I loved this class so much that I decided to come back as a Community Engagement Associate (teachers assistant) for 3 semesters.
To the left is my PowerPoint.
Feelings Before Experience
Anxious
Excitement
Uncertainty
I was anxious to hold an interview with a non-profit leader, since I had always been on the other side as an interviewee. I was nervous about asking the wrong question or stuttering.
I was excited to volunteer my time at the Ronald McDonald House and learn more about the organization. I chose this organization since I am passionate about kids and Riley, so this project was one of my dreams.
I was unsure of how the volunteer experience was going to go, since I was not given much guidance on what I was going to be doing. I was also unsure of how the interview was going to go or if my questions were thoughtful.
Skills Strengthened
Therapeutic Communication
Professional and Leadership Confidence
Empathy and Cultural Competence
Volunteering for a non-profit and interviewing a leader opened my perspective on the social determinants of health in the community. I observed and performed holistic care practices supporting patients of diverse backgrounds.
I strengthened my communication skills by being the interviewer and asking in-depth questions to better understand the organization and their mission. I also used therapeutic communication with the families at Ronald McDonald House to improve their stay and create a positive impact in their lives.
Leading an interview strengthened my confidence in a professional setting, since I organized and planned the experience. I also strengthened my leadership skills in decision-making, accountability, and taking initiative.
Reflection
This class has strengthened my love for Riley Children's Hospital and the families involved. Volunteering and better understanding the organization has allowed me to fully acknowledge the impact of the time I am contributing to the mission. Organizing and conducting an interview has strengthened my skills of therapeutic communication, as well as professional and leadership confidence. Contributing to the community and the Ronald McDonald House through volunteering has strengthened my therapeutic communication, empathy, and cultural competence. Overall, this experience has led me to work at Riley Children's Hospital and continually serve my community.