This summer I received a second opportunity to work in the COACH (Community Opportunities Advancement Children’s Hospital) program here at CHB. Through this program high school and college students are exposed to a variety of health care professions. Students are assigned to different areas of the hospital and work with doctors, nurses, and other health care personnel. It’s a wonderful chance to learn about different health careers. This is my second year in the program, but my first year working in the endocrinology department which provides services to patients who have diabetes, thyroid problems, and other hormonal conditions.

As a rising senior, this experience was life changing for me. Even though I probably won’t pursue a career in endocrinology in the future, I’m thankful for the experience and for the new friendships I made with my co-workers and supervisors. Working in the endocrinology department really opened my eyes to the different reasons why patients from all over the world come to Children’s Hospital Boston for their care.

I am particularly grateful for the skills I acquired, such as how to communicate effectively with patients, how to set priorities, and how to stay organized. I gained quite a bit of confidence in myself and now I feel that I can achieve anything that I put my mind to. As a COACH intern I had the opportunity to attend workshops and learn how to apply and get into college AND how to stay there. I can proudly say that this program has done a lot for me (and for others), because such opportunities are hard to come by and to have the chance is really a life changing experience.

While working in the endocrinology department, I made reminder calls and checked patients in for their medical appointments. Even though these tasks may sound simple, it really helped me to connect with both patients and my co-workers. It was especially reassuring to know that I could go to my co-worker(s) or my supervisor for help. Working with COACH has helped me both personally and financially by allowing me to save up money so that I can pay for my upcoming college fees. As you can see, I really enjoyed my summer work experience with the COACH program, and would feel honored if I’m selected for an internship again next year.

-Kayla