Perhaps the most influential organization I joined while at the University of Florida was the Florida Alpha Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Honor society.

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I first joined the organization in the Fall of 2017 and have been an active member since. I have volunteered over 150 hours of service. Within the organization, established divisions partner up with outside organizations ranging from on campus to even Jacksonville and Orlando. For example, I have made Valentine’s Day cards at Haven Hospice, played soccer with children enrolled in Top Soccer afterschool program, helped put on Halloween carnival games at Jacksonville Zoo. Additionally, I have worked to put on specific events for charity, such as Gainesville’s Heart Ball and a large celebration at Give Kids the World village in Kissimmee, FL.

 

Aside from being an active member in the organization, I also served one of three codirectors for the philanthropy division. Activities we put on included bake sales, raffles, carwash, study nights, spirit nights at local restaurants, and working Gainesville’s Great Inflatable Race. Over the course of a semester, we raised over $22,000 dollars to donate to our Spring philanthropies, the Climb For Cancer Foundation and the Mobile Outreach Clinic.

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This past year has been one of the most impactful years for me within the organization. I was elected as Member Vice President, where I handle member relations, resources, and concerns. I was also responsible for representing our chapter at the national biennial convention for Alpha Epsilon Delta in Tampa, FL. At one of our general body meetings, we had Dr. Laura Guyer speak to us about the importance of being culturally competent in healthcare. With advances in technology and modernization, globalization continues to occur at a fast rate. Individuals who intend to become healthcare professionals must be culturally competent. Dr. Guyer expressed the need for physicians, nurses, and other providers to be aware of cultural differences and to respect others.

 

My experiences in this organization have inspired me to continue to serve the community through volunteerism, leadership, and increased cultural awareness.