Looking Back on a Year of Service

When I first began my service term with AmeriCorps I was very excited for the experiences I was about to have. I was looking forward to gaining insight into the medical field and seeing how the year would prepare me for a future as a physician. However, at the end of the term it is not the professional development that is my greatest takeaway. What I valued the most from this experience were the people that I have met whom I will remain friends with even after the program ends.

The people I have met in this program have been the most gracious, caring, and loving people I have worked with and I have learned so much from them. The patient benefits advocate (PBA) in my clinic is one of the hardest-working people I know. She is constantly taking care of the students at Lake View High School and giving her all to make sure they get the services they need. My supervisor brings the same work ethic to her position, which shows her passion for her job. She juggles so many clinics and somehow is always available whenever I need her.  The other health educators I work with have also taught me so much. I have seen one of them pour herself into Get REAL nutrition education sessions; being there for her students every week to counsel them on nutrition and so much more. Her caring nature has inspired me to be more compassionate and understanding of others. Another one of my fellow health educators has fully given herself to Centering Pregnancy, a weekly class for expecting mothers. She is always preparing for them and making sure she delivers the best messages she can to her patients.  I have watched another health educator teach classes with such enthusiasm and humor that every student in the class is captivated. His ability to draw attention and encourage participation is something I admire. Another health educator I teach with has always brightened my day with her optimistic personality. She is always happy to see us and makes everyone around her have a better day, which is such an admirable quality. Even outside of service, these people have gone above and beyond to help me with my professional endeavors, such as giving me endless advice on how to apply to medical school and helping me improve the essays I need to submit. Their caring nature is not only extended to their patients, but also to the people they serve alongside.

I am so fortunate to have had this opportunity to serve as a member of AmeriCorps. I learned a lot serving in these clinics from experiencing the different neighborhoods we serve in and interacting with different populations. The skills I have acquired will undoubtedly make me a better provider. However, I learned the most from the people I was lucky enough to be surrounded by.

This blog post was written by NHC Chicago member Kaitlynn Tracy.

Kaitlynn serves as a Health Educator at Erie Family Health Center-Lake View.