Page 22 - Innovation-Spring-2016

INSPIRING MEDICAL

PROFESSIONALS OF

THE FUTURE

A crucial subset of Marian Regional Medical Center’s volunteer force is made up of more than 190 high school students and
young adult volunteers, known as Volunteens. Marian’s Volunteen Program has helped shape the academic paths and professional
futures of the Central Coast’s brightest students, providing them with a real life glimpse into the health care profession.

RICKY GONZALEZ JENNIFER POON
Righetti High School California Polytechnic State
Future Registered Nurse University, San Luis Obispo
Future Clinical Laboratory
In 2013, Ricky Gonzalez’s mother Scientist
underwent brain surgery and
throughout the entire process, With her career sights set on
Ricky stood by his mother’s side. becoming a clinical laboratory
As he observed the meaningful scientist, Jennifer Poon is
and lifesaving care his mother’s reaping the benefits of gaining
nurses delivered, Ricky felt called experience in a hospital
to become a registered nurse. To better prepare himself for the laboratory setting. While attending California Polytechnic
future, Ricky volunteers at Marian’s Emergency Department State University, San Luis Obispo, Jennifer serves as a
and Extended Care Center where he truly enjoys assisting staff volunteer within the medical center’s Pathology Department
and connecting with patients. Following high school graduation, where she has learned about laboratory operations and it is this
Ricky plans to join a branch of the United States military forces experience that has solidified her interest in pursuing a career
where he will begin his registered nurse training. as a clinical laboratory scientist.

YVETTE RIVERA ROJAS ALYSSA SCANNELI
University of California, Santa Cruz Pioneer Valley High School
Future Neurosurgeon Future Emergency Department
Registered Nurse
Yvette Rivera Rojas is grateful
for the opportunity to volunteer With a calling to help those
at Marian because it has led in need, Alyssa Scanneli
to finding her professional dedicates her Saturday evenings
calling: neurosurgery. Yvette has to volunteering at Marian’s
volunteered in all clinical care areas Emergency Department.
of the hospital and what has left the Although she is only in high
greatest impression on her has been Marian’s collaborative, team school, Alyssa’s volunteer work at Marian has allowed her to
approach to caring for patients. Following her medical training, acquire real-world experience that has strengthened her desire
Yvette plans to return to Marian and the Santa Maria community. to pursue a career as a registered nurse.

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