Personal Achievement Reflection – Growing in the VolunTEEN Program (and eventually

becoming a Team Leader)

The VolunTEEN Program is a program at the hospital for teenagers ages 16 – 18 to

volunteer at the Langley Memorial Hospital for the duration of the school year. Each volunteer is
required to work one two-hour shift per week, and they work in a team of 10, led by 2 Team
Leaders (who are required to have volunteered with the program for at least one year prior). The
VolunTEENs help around the hospital and run patient surveys, as well as care for the residents
who live in long-term care.
At first, I did not want to do this program. I had – and still have – no intention of entering
the medical field in the future since I struggle with sciences and math, and the whole endeavor
seems stressful and overwhelming. However, I agreed to try it under the impression that I might
not get in. It was the first time I have had an official interview, and I was extremely anxious
about it. I remember talking quietly and stumbling over my words, and struggling to speak up at
all. But I did get in, and it became one of my most valued experiences.
Working with my team was the highlight of the program for me last year. My group was
renowned amongst the other groups for being the most close-knit team, being close enough to
talk comfortably and even hangout outside of our shifts. I struggle with socializing with new
people so connecting with my teammates was one of the best things I did, and I ended up being
the one organizing our hangouts and making group chats. I also learned to connect with the
residents of long-term care, since that was one of our main roles as volunteers at the hospital.
Talking with them and playing music for them felt very special and important, like I was making
a difference, especially when I could get them to sing along. It helped me overcome my social
anxiety and these skills of teamwork and connecting with others will be a useful skill for every
aspect of my life in the future, including any career I wish to take. I also have always struggled
with my own confidence, especially when getting things done around a professional space like
the hospital, so this program helped me learn to be independent and achieve what needs to be
done. I also learned some leadership skills as I became the musician of our group, leading my
other musically-inclined teammates into song to help connect with and entertain the residents.
This eventually led to me trying for a Team Leader role this year, and I successfully got the role
and have just begun my role as a Leader. Leadership skills are more useful skills that I can use in
the future, and I look forward to another year of this program and putting the skills I gained from
last year to the test.