A Memory I’ll Carry for a Lifetime
BY ERICA WILSACK, GRADE 11
Recently, healthcare students at Saint Mary Catholic Secondary School took part in a placement that introduced them to the healthcare professions at Saint Joseph Villa in Dundas. It was an unbelievable and life-changing experience for all the students in the class.
Our teacher, Mrs. Castura, had taught us carefully. Through trial and error, I learned how to make beds perfectly, how to stop the chain of infection, and how to use proper feeding techniques. She taught us about the jobs and responsibilities that we will be given. I thought I was ready to volunteer, but it turns out I wasn’t.
I wasn’t prepared for the endless conversation, amazing smiles, laughing faces, and the caring advice from everyone that I met. I was physically prepared with techniques and responsibilities, but I wasn’t mentally prepared for the compassion and care I would use and receive.
I walked into the Villa with tired eyes and yawns, and suddenly wasn’t tired anymore. I was nervous and anxious about everything. Did I know how to make beds the way the nurses do? What if I get someone sick? What if I hurt someone while I transfer them? But my main question was what if I let someone down?
Fortunately, I didn’t do any of those things. I succeeded in every action I performed thanks to the teachers, nurses, and personal support workers. The experience was overwhelming. I learned so many things from so many different people. When our teacher said we would think about this for the rest of our lives, I didn’t believe her. I didn’t think it would have such a big effect on me, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I was taught affection and care, and how I should treat people with compassion. I thought Mrs. Castura couldn’t stress ‘compassion’ any more than she did, but she managed to, and I’m so grateful she did. I didn’t understand why she focused on compassion, but now I do. I can genuinely say, without hesitation, that my life was changed after this experience.
While every new thing I learned after this amazing placement will be helpful in the future, I think learning to listen, care, and treat people with compassion and love were most important. I will always remember this amazing experience and spread what I learned to other people who are willing to listen and learn.