by Kiera | Mar 1, 2019 | Journal
Earlier this year I applied to study abroad in Stockholm, Sweden. Originally I had considered studying abroad for STEM classes, but I feel in love with this class the moment I read the description. I have very minimal experience with the theatrical arts and the Swedish culture, so I am very much looking forward to the experience. I will be in Sweden for three weeks during our “Washington Term” in May. I plan to upload a gallery of pictures from the theater performances and other cultural events that we attend, so stay tuned!
by Kiera | Nov 5, 2018 | Journal
We just won ODACs a few days ago. The ODACs, Old Dominion Athletic Conference, is the NCAA Division III conference Washington and Lee participates in. We played our rival, Randolph-Macon, and won in five sets. I started as a middle, and had the opportunity to play with my teammates in one of the biggest games of the season. Our road to NCAAs has started, and I am excited to see where it takes us.
To stay updated on our progress in the ODACs this season and for the next two years you can check out the ODAC website for women’s volleyball.
by Kiera | Aug 11, 2018 | Journal
This summer I had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Philip Arbit at the Novi Surgery Center. Dr. Arbit is an anesthesiologist at the surgery center, so I got to sit in the OR for a variety of out-patient procedures including cataracts and minor wrist/spinal surgeries. In addition to sitting in on procedures, I got to watch Dr. Arbit and his colleagues interact with the patients. Dr. Arbit emphasized throughout my visits that patient care is one of the most important parts of the job.
Sitting in the OR and interacting with patients was an amazing experience, and I look forward to shadowing more doctors in the future!
by Kiera | Aug 10, 2018 | Journal
I just started working as crisis counselor for the Crisis Text Line a few weeks ago. Wow – it is not what I expected! It’s upsetting to think that so many people turn to hotlines when they are in crisis, but I am glad that I can help out. 
My main work as a counselor on the platform involves creating a comfortable and safe environment for the texter and then working to collaboratively problem solve and think of potential coping mechanisms and solutions. The key is to bring the texter from a “hot moment” to a “cool moment” by establishing rapport and actively listening. It can be difficult to come up with effective solutions, but I’ve improved the more and more times I work a shift.
As someone who wants to pursue the health professions, working on a text line like Crisis Text Line serves as a reminder that physical health is only one type of healthcare – mental health is extremely important! I can’t wait to continue my experience as a crisis counselor in the upcoming months.
by Kiera | Jun 12, 2018 | Journal
Outside the Van Elslander Neuroscience Center
I just started my summer volunteer shifts at Providence Park Hospital. I work a few times at week at the Van Elslander Neuroscience Center and ICU and in the Assarian Cancer Center. The experience has been both informative and eye-opening. Everyday, I help restock materials and check equipment in patients rooms on the neuroscience level of the hospital. I get to interact with patients frequently, although many of the patients are in a physical condition where communication is difficult or impossible. Although it is upsetting to see a patient’s progress suddenly decline between my visits, I love having the opportunity to hear people’s stories and know that I am helping make their experience at the hospital a little better.
So far, the most memorable experience I had was while talking to a nurse on the hall. I often interacted with the nurses to make sure that equipment was stocked correctly and to help them with anything they needed. The head nurse asked me one day, “Why did you decide to work on the neuroscience hall? You know this is the most depressing hall in the entire hospital right?” At first, I was taken back. He was referencing the fact that many patients suffering from neurological disorders or damage to the nervous system can have sudden declines in their ability to function independently or can be difficult to interact with.The nurse followed up by explaining that many of the volunteers, especially student volunteers, want to work on the orthopedic or cardiac floors so that they can converse with patients more frequently. He gave me a smile and expressed his appreciation for my decision to work with them on the neuroscience floor. The neuroscience floor of the hospital differs immensely from the other levels, but I think that working with individuals suffering from neurological disorders and damage is inspiring. There is so much progress to be made in the area of neurology and understanding the brain and spinal cord. Working on this hall showed me that neuroscience is definitely my passion!
My experience in the Assarian Cancer center has been slightly different. I have not had much patient exposure or spent much time in a medical environment. Instead, I have had the opportunity to work with other volunteers to make blankets, cards, and plan events for individuals receiving regular chemotherapy treatment. All of the men and women I worked with in the cancer center reminded me that medicine is so much more than just science – its about people!
