In this Volunteer Spotlight we focus on Saila Roxas, a rising sophomore at the University of Florida. She is pursuing a Psychology major on the pre-medical track. Saila joined Big Bend Hospice (BBH) through the 6-for-6 Volunteer Internship, where her compassionate, empathetic nature shines in providing support to patients and families. This experience deepened Saila’s interest in healthcare, reinforcing her dream of becoming a primary care physician in the future.
Volunteer Spotlight: Saila Roxas
Why did you join BBH?
I initially looked into BBH to earn patient care hours as required for medical school, but I found the one-on-one interaction and need for compassionate care especially appealing. I would describe myself as a social person with a love for helping and interacting with others, so hospice was a perfect fit.
What was your most memorable experience?
I will never forget the first time I experienced the musical therapist visit. This was by far my favorite visit not only because of the staff’s soothing voice and beautiful guitar rhythm, but the evident impact that her music had on the patient. The patient’s face lit up like I’d never seen before. She sang, talked, smiled, and laughed for the remainder of the visit. I had never seen her that cheerful, and it really opened my eyes to the value of music and togetherness, and the true meaning of hospice care. At the end of the visit, the patient gave me a big hug and said goodbye with my face in her hands. I left the family’s home with a full heart, excitement for another cheerful visit, and “You Are My Sunshine” stuck in my head.
What did you find challenging?
I had a difficult time trying to soothe the patient when she was in distress. She tended to pace around the house, refuse food and drink, and spoke angrily when she felt bothered or uncomfortable. This made me feel like I was unwanted in the home, but I tried my best to comfort her by speaking softly, singing, playing music, or rubbing her back. Though these moments were difficult, they were absolutely necessary as they helped me learn the most effective and helpful ways to support the patient in difficult times.
What do you think your assigned patient and patient caregiver would say about you and your time with them?
I remember the patient caregiver often described me as a blessing and even the patient’s “favorite volunteer”, which is such an honor. I practiced active listening, smiled/laughed often, make jokes to lighten the mood when appropriate, helped with light chores, and brought a happy, optimistic energy into the home. By the end of my time with the patient family, they truly felt like family, and I think they would say the same.
How has this experience contributed to your growth and what are you taking away from it?
My BBH experience helped with 2 major things: my interpersonal skills and love for one-on-one patient care. This experience taught me how to navigate emotional situations with sensitivity and engage in meaningful conversations, while strengthening my commitment to providing compassionate care. My BBH experience solidified my motivation to pursue a career in healthcare, where I can continue to make a positive impact on individuals’ lives.
Volunteering at BBH also exposed me to a diverse demographic that I hadn’t worked with before. I have experience with children as a gymnastics coach and camp counselor, but BBH allowed me to work with elderly patients– offering a broader perspective on the unique needs/challenges of different age groups.
What are you looking forward to with the skills you’ve acquired from volunteering with us.
With the skills I’ve gained from BBH, I’m excited to explore new opportunities on my pre-med journey. Firstly, I feel more confident in my ability to have meaningful conversations with older adults in professional settings, which can improve the quality of these interactions. Additionally, I’ve developed the ability to handle sensitive situations with a higher level of comfort and empathy, which is needed in any caregiving/healthcare setting. Lastly, I’m excited to share my great experience with others and encourage them to consider hospice volunteering as I now understand the impact it has on volunteers and patient-families.