Red Cross as a Pre-med/ Pre-health Student: How to kill two birds with one stone
Our culture has taught us the importance of being a well-rounded individual: whether you are applying for college or trying to get a job, there is a large emphasis on being not only academically intelligent, but being an individual who is invested in their community. As cliché as it is, employers and admissions officers would like to see what “difference” you have made in the world, and what you have learned from those experiences.
Each year, applicant pools are more competitive, and we are expected to contribute more to society, given the same amount of time. We sleep less, study harder and barely have any spare time left. You need to gain exposure and perform activities related to healthcare, such as shadowing, working at a hospital, and more, but you also need to volunteer your time to the community.
You have 24 hours in a day:
8 hours to sleep
+10 hours in school/doing school work
+2 hours for personal care
___________________________
4 hours for extra-curricular activities
These FOUR hours need to include everything ranging from your after-school sports, to your theater classes, to your healthcare involvement. Exactly how are you supposed to have enough time to accomplish everything you need to get done?! The answer: Red Cross.
I was able to combine my community service WITH my healthcare related exposure. Here’s how:
- Get trained in CPR/First Aid
Almost every healthcare job requires you to have an active CPR/First Aid certification. Showing that you have taken the initiative to learn it early takes you one step ahead. Did I mention that a lot of summer jobs, such as lifeguarding or babysitting may require this certification as well?
- Instruct others! Teach hands only citizen CPR to your school clubs, friends and family
If you are trained in it, why not help train others too? You will be promoting and teaching life-saving skills, which is exactly what the healthcare system is designed to do! In addition, your Red Cross Chapter may also offer some certified instructors classes.
- Get involved with the Disaster Action Team(DAT)
Having the opportunity to go directly on the scene and assist victims of home-fire allows you to witness what it is like for something to affect a family to such a large extent.
- Apply for a school officer team or the chapter Youth Executive Board
The healthcare system strongly emphasizes collaboration and working in a team. Working through your school or chapter leadership will give you that experience.
Written by National Youth Council Communications Working Group Lead: Miki Rai
For questions, please contact: [email protected]
