An A-level student who wants to pursue a career in medicine, Natasha started volunteering at a local COVID-19 vaccination centre during the Easter holidays. She had some previous volunteering experience in roles facilitated by her school, but when she heard through a family friend that St. Christopher’s Church was opening a vaccination site, she saw it as a great opportunity to help people and also gain some experience in her desired field of study.
At the site, Natasha is part of a small group of volunteers supporting the vaccine roll-out at St. Christopher’s Church. Because it’s a newer site and Natasha joined right at the beginning, she says there’s always been a lot to do, from admin duties like patient bookings and signing people in, helping pharmacists and those administering the vaccine, to writing description sheets that would support volunteers in the execution of their duties.
Initially having signed up for a couple of sessions, she’s been returning ever since. “I really enjoy going there,” says Natasha. “There’s always something to do that I can help with and it’s a nice break from schoolwork and all of that. But I also like to feel like I’m being useful.” Wanting to pursue a career in medicine, it’s probably no surprise that Natasha likes to help people. “It actually brings me joy knowing that I can help people.”
But learning has also been a significant part of her experience. “I learned a lot about the organisation of things,” she explains. “I even learned how to draw syringes, which was pretty cool! But you can really learn all kinds of valuable skills that can apply to what you want to do in life like team working and communicating with different types of people and of all ages.”
Aside from being educational, she also describes the experience as fun and says she enjoys talking to the patients and other volunteers. But most of all Natasha characterises volunteering as being rewarding. “To think that what you do can have a really big impact on someone else is just really rewarding,” she says. “The little things you can do should never be underestimated.”
“There are always opportunities for someone to volunteer and I think anyone has the potential to make someone’s life better. And I think that’s really valuable.”
Do you feel inspired by this story? Would you like to volunteer and help make a difference in your community? Check out the current openings here.