Mayo Clinic Caring Hands2023-2024
Ezedin Seid (Team Captain & Volunteer 2023-2024, Volunteer 2022-2023)
Major: Biology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Graduation Year: 2024
Health interest: Medicine
Favorite part: "Mayo Caring Hands Volunteer program has given me the opportunity to work directly with patients, which is something I've always wanted to do. I've gained invaluable experiences that I'm sure will help me on my path toward a career in healthcare."
Carter Henning (Team Captain & Volunteer 2023-2024, Volunteer 2022-2023)
Major: Biochemistry Molecular Biology and Chemistry
Graduation Year: 2025
Health interest: Medicine
Favorite part: “My favorite part of the Caring Hands volunteer position is being able to positively impact people’s days who are going through a tough time. It’s a really good feeling to do something meaningful for other people and I love that Caring Hands gives me that opportunity every week.”
Emily Mills (Volunteer 2023-2024)
Major: Statistics
Graduation Year: 2026
Health interest: Medicine
Favorite part: I've loved being part of Caring Hands this year, and one big aspect is that this program has allowed me to work as a team with other Gustavus students I may not have met otherwise. Giving a hand massage seems very simple, but patients really appreciate being able to relax and have someone to listen to whatever they want to talk about! All of the patients I've met have amazing stories to tell and different perspectives, so not only have I gained so much experience working in a hospital environment, but I've gotten so comfortable talking to new people and making connections!
Tyler Elliott (Volunteer 2023-2024)
Major: Biology
Graduation Year: 2024
Health interest: Medicine
Favorite part:
Ava Kraemer (Team Captain & Volunteer 2023-2024, Volunteer 2022-2023)
Major: Biology
Graduation Year: 2025
Health interest: Medicine
Favorite part: “Caring Hands is a unique opportunity to gain patient care experiences while being able to provide comfort and a source of relaxation to those who need it most.”
Annika Reierson (Volunteer 2023-2024)
Major: Exercise Physiology
Graduation Year: 2024
Health interest: Physician Assistant
Favorite part: My favorite part about being a volunteer with caring hands is interacting with the patients and listening to their life experiences!
Peyton Richardson (Volunteer 2023-2024)
Major: Biology
Graduation Year: 2025
Health interest: Physician Assistant
Favorite part:
Anna Rudolf (Volunteer 2023-2024)
Major: Nursing
Graduation Year: 2026
Health interest: Nursing
Favorite part: My favorite part about caring hands was giving people a sense of comfort, during a very difficult time in their lives. It was very rewarding to have relaxed conversations with people who enjoy your company and conversion.
Alexis Lin (Volunteer Spring 2024)
Major: Psychological Science
Graduation Year: 2024
Health interest: Medicine
Favorite part: My favorite part of Caring Hands was listening to the diverse life experiences of the patients I gave hand massages to. It was heartwarming to see how grateful they were for the opportunity to talk and enjoy some company.
Abby McCready (Volunteer 2023-2024)
Major: Biology
Graduation Year: 2025
Health interest: Physical Therapy
Favorite part: My favorite part of Caring Hands has been the fact that it has provided me an outlet throughout the week to do something outside of myself and grow connections with all types of people in such a small way. It has been so humbling and validating to see how much of a difference I can make in someone’s day just by having a simple conversation with them.
Bailey Wagner (Team Captain & Volunteer 2023-2024, Volunteer Spring 2023)
Major: Classical Languages and Chemistry
Graduation Year: 2024
Health interest: Medicine
Favorite part: My favorite aspect of the caring hands program was the ability to participate in something bigger than myself. I was offered the opportunity to bring a small moment of humanity and comfort to those who may be lacking such companionship. I learned more not only about myself, but also about how to participate meaningfully in my community.
Amelia Qualey (Team Captain & Volunteer 2023-2024, Volunteer Spring 2023)
Major: Chemistry
Graduation Year: 2025
Health interest: Medicine
Favorite part: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a Caring Hands volunteer. For me, the most rewarding component of this program has been connecting with patients and bringing them small moments of joy through meaningful conversations and gentle, non-therapeutic hand massages. Hospitals can be scary places for many folks, so having the opportunity to engage with patients and improve the patient care experience means the world to me."
Grace Kinkeade (Volunteer 2023-2024)
Major: Biology
Graduation Year: 2025
Health interest: Medicine
Favorite part: I love to hear patient's stories and jokes, or make them smile with my own stories and jokes. It is so rewarding to be able to take patients' minds off of the stress of IVs, heart monitors, and surgeries, and to be entirely focused on their mental wellbeing with a simple hand massage and a conversation. I also love getting closer to the other Gusties that I might not have gotten to talk with as much!
Kaylee Cepress (Volunteer 2023-2024)
Major: Biology
Graduation Year: 2025
Health interest: Medicine
Favorite part: I enjoy giving back to the community I live in and meeting all sorts of people. I’ve heard a lot of stories that have already changed the way I view life. This program has throughly helped me grow and learn in many aspects of my life.
Victor Solano (Volunteer 2023-2024)
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Graduation Year: 2025
Health interest: Medicine
Favorite part: My favorite part of Caring Hands has been the fact that it has provided me an outlet throughout the week to do something outside of myself and grow connections with all types of people in such a small way. It has been so humbling and validating to see how much of a difference I can make in someone’s day just by having a simple conversation with them.