TH 120 Final paper

Markeith Williams Professor Michael Pascarella, Jr. TH 120 Theology Date 12/23/2024 Introduction My practicum experience involved volunteering at the Lifestyle Center, affiliated with Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, where I dedicated my time to assisting immigrant and refugee patients. This opportunity allowed me to witness firsthand the challenges faced by individuals who often struggle to navigate the healthcare system due to language barriers, cultural differences, and unfamiliarity with the processes. Over the course of two weeks, I volunteered every Friday, specifically on November 22nd and December 6th, 2024, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, accumulating a total of 10 hours of service. Breakdown of Hours and Activities ● November 22nd, 2024 (10:00 am - 3:00 pm) ○ Administrative Support: Assisted with patient intake and registration, ensuring all necessary documentation was completed accurately. ○ Communication Bridge: Worked alongside the translator for patients who spoke limited English, facilitating clear communication between them and the medical staff. ○ Patient Education: Provided additional information about healthcare services and procedures, helping patients understand their treatment plans. ● December 6th, 2024 (10:00 am - 3:00 pm) ○ Follow-Up Support: Assisted patients with follow-up appointments and explained the importance of adhering to medical advice. ○ Emotional Support: Offered comfort and reassurance to patients who were anxious or confused about their healthcare journey. ○ Cultural Sensitivity: Ensured that cultural differences were respected and that patients felt understood and valued. Relation to Mercy and Critical Concern By assisting these patients in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, I felt I was embodying the Mercy value of compassionate service. I was also advocating for a more just world, where people—regardless of their.

background—could access healthcare without fear or confusion. This experience deeply resonated with me, and I felt that I was making a tangible difference in the lives of those who needed it most. This aligns strongly with the Sisters of Mercy's Area of Critical Concern on Immigration, as I was directly supporting a vulnerable population in need of compassionate care Understanding of Mercy, the impact this experience had on my understanding of mercy was profound. It not only deepened my empathy but also reinforced my commitment to advocating for immigrant and refugee communities. I saw firsthand the barriers these individuals face, and it motivated me to continue supporting efforts that create a more equitable society. The gratitude expressed by the patients and the relationships I formed with them were truly enriching. It was a privilege to make these individuals feel heard and understood, especially during a time when they were often feeling vulnerable. Embracing the Mercy Tradition Furthermore, my practicum reinforced the lessons I learned in my course, particularly in relation to the Mercy tradition. For example, the exploration of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, as discussed in Darley and Batson’s research, gave me a framework for understanding the complexities of helping behavior. Their study illuminated how situational factors can either promote or hinder our willingness to help others, making me more attuned to the "hurts" experienced by immigrants and refugees. This understanding inspired me to go above and beyond into providing services to them, regardless of the challenges I might face. Change in Opinion In addition, our discussion on Saint Teresa of Calcutta’s unwavering dedication to serving the "poorest of the poor" was another powerful takeaway. As discussed in Ridvan Peshkopia's analysis, Saint Teresa embodied the values of Saint Joseph’s College, particularly in her empathy, fairness, and tireless service to the most marginalized. This example reinforced for me the importance of compassionate action in making a difference in the world. It also encouraged me to reflect on how I can embody these values in my own life, ensuring that my actions align with the values of mercy and justice. Impact Assessment Ultimately, this course and my practicum experience have challenged me to think critically about my role in society and how I can contribute to creating a more just and compassionate world. The lessons I’ve learned about empathy, service, and the importance of advocacy for marginalized populations will stay with me throughout my career. I believe that my contributions during this practicum made a significant impact on the lives of the patients I assisted, helping to create a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment. Commitment to the Concern Reflecting on my level of commitment to the area of critical concern before and after the practicum, I realize that my dedication has grown stronger. I am now more committed than ever to advocating for immigrant and refugee communities. Moving forward, I plan to continue volunteering and supporting initiatives that promote healthcare equity and justice for all individuals, regardless of their background..

Additional Involvement with Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation, Community Clinic, and Mobile Van Services: Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting the healthcare needs of the community. Established in 1993, the Foundation’s mission is to help Chesapeake Regional Healthcare respond to the evolving health care needs of the community through philanthropic efforts. During my practicum, I had the opportunity to see how the Foundation’s support enables various programs and services that benefit underserved populations, including the immigrant and refugee patients I worked with. Mobile Van Services at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center also operates a mobile van service that brings healthcare directly to underserved communities. This service is vital for patients who face transportation barriers or live in remote areas. During my practicum, I assisted with the mobile van’s outreach efforts, helping to set up clinics in various locations and providing administrative support. The mobile van service exemplifies the Mercy tradition of meeting people where they are and ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare. In conclusion, my volunteer experience at the Chesapeake Regional Medical Center's community clinic and mobile van provided a tangible manifestation of the Mercy value of serving the vulnerable. By collaborating with the clinic staff in patient intake, translation, and health education, I contributed to ensuring that low-income and underinsured residents received comprehensive care. This experience solidified my understanding of accessible healthcare as a critical component of a just and compassionate society, embodying the core principles of Mercy in action..