Today was volunteer bootcamp for the interns! Molly is the volunteer coordinator for UCBC Cares. She is in charge of interviewing, onboarding, training, and managing all volunteers. As interns one of the ways we can be helpful is by being mini Mollys when she is busy. We started the morning off blogging while Molly got the morning volunteers settled. Once she was done we headed to the second floor conference room to go over the volunteer handbook that has all of the information a current volunteer could need. We also went through the interest and application process. Because UCBC Cares has so much interest they don’t currently accept applications, only interest. Once there is room for more volunteers, Molly will open applications to everyone who has filled out the interest form. She has very specific criteria that she grades on and is very picky when choosing applicants to interview because there is so much interest. She also showed us how their volunteer app, Volunteer, works and where we will be able to respond to volunteer questions to lighten her load. She is going to get us set up with profiles on the app soon. After this we walked through what it would be like to be on shift as a volunteer. They go to the third floor to get their vest, name tag, and badge then go to their assigned area. We then went through each position available to volunteers. On the first floor there are two Patient Ambassadors and a Guest Ambassador that makes sure all patients and caregivers get checked in and get a wheelchair if they need it. The first floor also has a CT Simulation Volunteer that helps support patients getting fitted for a radiation mask as well as a Radiation Wayfinder that supports patients through the radiation process and helps them feel comfortable by chatting. On the second floor there are two Infusion Volunteers that push the snack cart that was the baby of UCBC Cares. The snack cart is stocked with many snacks, ginger ale, Sprite, coffee, tea, and juice. The volunteers push the cart around the infusion floor offering a snack and drink to each patient and their caregiver. The other main responsibility of this role is to chat with patients and their caregivers to help ease their anxiety and build community. While walking around the business Molly took our picture so we can add it to our newsletter for staff and she can add it to her newsletter for volunteers. After going through all of the volunteer roles we went up to Amy’s office to talk about our newsletter and some content. Then it was time for lunch, my favorite part of the day! We had Chick-Fil-A which was delicious. After lunch, Amy gave me my instructions for Friday, it’s going to be my first solo work day! I’ll tell you what all I get to do then. In addition to my regular internship hours, today I went to our Breast Cancer Support group. The first few minutes were introductions and announcements. Amy shared about Breast Friends and Look Good Feel Better that are events we’re hosting in the next month. She left after her announcements, but I stayed the whole time to observe because I’ve never been to a support group and wondered what it would be like. The women shared different accomplishments, fears, worries, and things that have helped them. It was beautiful to see women supporting each other. It was one lady’s first time there and it was so cool to see how quickly and effortlessly the other women jumped in with advice and support. This was the most I really interacted with patients so far and it was a great experience. They meet once a month so I hope to continue attending.