By Analicia Padilla, Summer Intern ‘25
As an aspiring medical student and strong advocate for both mental and physical well-being, I was eager to experience the nurse brigade in Santa Rosa. Crystal, one of the Program Directors, organized this event with selected nurses and dentists visiting from Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida. Our motive was to educate students in the Santa Rosa community about the importance of hygiene, making healthy, informed choices, and how these choices relate to our overall physical and mental well-being.
The nurses began by taking the temperatures and vitals of the students and some of the teachers. Next to this initial check-up was a table where one of our local doctors from Shandia inspected every child's head for lice, and also provided an array of lice shampoo for those who needed it. When the lice inspection had concluded, several students courageously chose to receive vaccinations from the Hillsborough nurses to prevent the flu. A few were hesitant and scared but it was inspiring getting to see them put their health first and overcome that fear. My table, the mental health station, was intentionally placed right after the vaccination station.
My station mental health booth- consisted of valuable knowledge and engaging coloring sheets designed to help students express their emotions. My fellow intern, Yahjairi, and I provided a poster created by a former program coordinator that explained what mental health is and how to properly cope with mental health impediments. We also emphasized the main factors that induce mental health obstructions so the students know how to prevent these impediments. The kids were very engaged and responsive about what their favorite coping mechanisms are and how they benefit everyday life. We wanted to ensure the students had a secure and calming area to draw out their feelings. We had a variety of adorable coloring sheets and supplies that all age groups surprisingly loved.
Following the mental health station, the dental team demonstrated the proper way to brush your teeth, and for how long, on a model of teeth for visual enhancement. The dentists visiting from Hillsborough performed an oral screening on the kids as well once the demonstration concluded. They also provided an abundance of goodie bags for the kids that included a toothbrush, shampoo, sunscreen, and some toys that the students thoroughly enjoyed. Finally, our last station consisted of nutritional awareness with illustrations of an ideal plate with grains, protein, dairy, and fruits/vegetables. In this area we had the nurses volunteering from Hillsborough give an in-depth description of sustainable and beneficial food choices with visual appeal and personal insights.
Participating in the nurse brigade in Santa Rosa was more than just a volunteer opportunity—it reaffirmed my commitment to a career dedicated to both physical and mental well-being. Seeing the children’s joy, bravery, and engagement reminded me why I chose this path in the first place. It was deeply fulfilling to not only contribute to their health but to also witness the impact of compassionate care and education in action. This experience strengthened my dream to pursue medicine and to continue serving communities that need it most. I look forward to many more opportunities where I can combine empathy, knowledge, and service to make a meaningful difference.