April 2026

Total Hours: 8

Cumulative Hours: 24 

I am feeling incredibly grateful to have completed my final 8 service hours during the first few weeks of April, splitting my time between Girls on the Run here in New Orleans and volunteering at Ochsner. Being able to engage with two very different environments made the experience especially meaningful. At Girls on the Run, I continued working with young girls in training sessions, supporting their growth in confidence, teamwork, and resilience. It’s always inspiring to see how quickly they embrace the program’s message of self-worth and strength. At Ochsner, I continued volunteering in a clinical setting, that has always been meaningful to me, especially given the care they’ve provided to my family in the past. I was placed back in the General Surgery Unit, where I assisted staff with small tasks and spent time with patients.

As I approach graduation, I find myself feeling bittersweet. It’s hard to believe how quickly this chapter has come to an end, but I am also genuinely excited for what lies ahead. I have already begun the interview process with several research companies and pharmaceutical sales roles, and it feels rewarding to start applying everything I’ve learned in a real-world context.

This program has given me such a strong foundation, and while I’ll miss being a student, I’m ready to take this next step forward and begin my career.

Happy Crawfish Season!

Veronica Urreiztieta