Lauren Barthelme

4.0 GPA
2021.lauren.barthelme@usd267.com
(316) 573 - 1660

Personal Statement

When I first walked in the doors of Wesley Medical Center, I was ecstatic. I had this image in
my mind about how this was going to be my bridge to becoming a doctor. This was a brand new
place, new people, and new opportunities for me. I was excited to showcase my skills and
ambitions so that I could further my own education and career.

I was there for all the wrong reasons. My first couple of weeks were a drag. I escorted patients to
and from their units, I answered phones, and I directed visitors. I was not getting the experience
that I hoped for. It wasn’t until about a month into my volunteer experience that I learned the real
reason that I was in that hospital.

My volunteer coordinator had asked me to go up to the pediatric unit because there was a project
for me to work on. I headed up there, not in any hurry, and was completely surprised at what I
found. The child life specialists had asked me to play with a four year old boy during his
chemotherapy. I was hesitant because I had not worked with kids in the hospital before, but I
went into his room anyway.

His whole family was there - little brothers and sisters, and both parents. When I first saw the
patient, it made me upset. He looked sickly and weak and he was hooked up to a machine with a
million different cords. Despite the situation, I asked if he wanted to play. This turned out to be
one of the most life changing questions that I have ever asked someone. This little boy played for
hours. He was full of life and laughter. The patient, his siblings and I sat and painted, sang songs,
played with cards, read books, and watched movies.

Being able to go into the room of a complete stranger and feeling like I have known them for my
whole life was the most reassuring feeling in the world. We formed a connection that I had never
experienced in my life. While I lifted his spirits in a hard time in his life, he inspired me to keep
pushing forward.

I think about those couple of hours on a weekly basis. The smile on this child’s face motivates
me to achieve my dream of becoming a doctor so that I can experience more days like that. I no
longer care about the opportunities that I can create for myself, but rather the opportunities that I
can create for those in need. I am beyond thankful for that little boy and his family, because they
taught me the priceless lesson of selflessness.