Andre (Miggs) Ouano
Grade: Junior
High School: San Mateo High School
UCSF: Love, Passion and Impact
Volunteering is much more than just an extra curricular or an activity to do for fun. Volunteering changes lives, empowers self growth and ultimately instills the love and care a community MUST have to thrive. Not only have I gained knowledge about the life in a hospital, but I have further gained an unforgettable experience filled with true joy that will forever inspire me to motivate and be the best human I can possibly be. Furthermore, I will forever strive to reach ultimate happiness not only for myself, but for everyone around! UCSF has nurtured me into a man who will forever strengthen the kind culture the world is meant to have and to always remember to create a proliferation of blissful smiles on everyone’s faces.
Prior to my volunteering, I was always one who loved to praise others and provide unconditional love to anyone. The relationships we build upon the hearts and souls of each other genuinely sets a fire in my soul; a fire that forever inspires and amazes me. It is amazing how simply putting a smile on one’s face can create millions of smiles to others! Kind acts and love will forever proliferate among our relationships; relationships that overall inspire me to be an amazing man. To me, the world is my family and I will forever cherish everyone with respect, passion and love. UCSF has transformed me into a man of true caringness. My very first task was to deliver an action movie to a patient in the 6th floor. Initially, I was excited and was happy to do the deed. Soon, as I knocked on the door, put on hand sanitizer and greeted, “Hello! I am Miggs from volunteer servi believe are the best to watch and enjoy!” The patient responded with, “Why thank you so much! This really made my day, Action movies get the best out of me! Now you take care and have a great day!” After that moment, I really felt inspired: I just made that lady’s day just by giving her a movie! The feeling rushed through my veins and gave me the widest smile that lasted from grin to grin! Who knew that such a simple action of giving a movie to a patient could really impact their entire day? At this point, I truly realized the power us humans possess; a power that can change lives and create infinite realms of positivity.
As the weeks flew by at UCSF, I have grown a passion to support and care for patients. Every patient is in the hospital for a different reason; whether it be a minor injury or severely major injury. However, I must tend to the patients with affection and furthermore spread the generosity I provide throughout the community. Because I know the patients would be pleased at my actions, I enjoyed doing everything I did. I fell in love with giving newspapers, giving amenities, making complimentary drinks and providing patients with anything they needed. The glowing smile that grew upon each patients face as I showed my care truly moved me. The smiles and praises I gained from the patients pushed me to keep working and volunteering because I knew I could leave my positive signature on this world. I have a passion of tending to the needs of others and my experiences at UCSF truly strengthened that and inspire me to keep it up. The passion and support I reflect is such a valuable asset to have as it influence everyone around me motivated. I sought to motivate and inspire every single person around me to be the best that they can become.
Often times, I grew a love for being in the hospital to provide care towards not just the patients, but to everyone around me. The culture of UCSF perfectly represents the incredible hospitality provided by everyone. The colors of Diversity are deeply respected, accepted and celebrated throughout the hospital. Every trip I make down the halls are filled with smiles, good mornings and people who reflect good vibes. It’s unbelievable that I have talked to thousands of people and learned something new everyday here at UCSF. I have established abundant connections and relationships that opened up the world fore. Moreover, my peers and I have established a strong relationship that makes it so natural to not only achieve our goals, but to continue to have fun and create a loving, positive community. Our volunteers are genuinely motivated individuals who passionately strive to make our patients feel at their best every single day. Furthermore, I constantly feel the loving embrace all the volunteers possess; and to feel that strong of connection with such a wonderful group of people is ultimately special and difficult to find. Volunteers I have seen motivate me to change lives and to learn and grow into the best man; a man that is in sought to positively affect the world.
The beauty of life is truly illustrated from the actions we put forth everyday. However, it’s our choice about what we paint on the canvas of this enormous world. At UCSF, I learned the paintings I made transformed the days of others and gave me relationships I will forever cherish. I realized that something as small as preparing black coffee with four creamers and sugars can truly impact one’s day. The choices and decisions we bring forth can mean the entire world to these patients; a choice that motivates me to keep striving forward and continue to leave a positive impact on anyone’s life.
Love is an emotion felt that inspires you to deeply care about something more than you care about yourself. The power of love inspires me: Love paints pictures, love builds cities, love creates opportunities. Whether it be nurses aiding to the needs of their patients, the alluring smiles from patients or even the devotion to serve others from our volunteers; Love is genuinely echoed throughout the halls of UCSF. From the wonderful smiles from my fellow volunteers, to the heartwarming appreciations from patients; UCSF has been an unbelievably glorious blessing.