Thank You Boston College Volunteers
Boston College continues its longtime volunteer service
Boston College seniors, John Wagner and Tommy Borah, are no strangers to giving back to the community. Having attended Jesuit high schools, the encouragement to pursue service has long been instilled in these young men.
When they arrived at Boston College (BC) four years ago, they took their volunteerism to the next level, leading groups that come to Franciscan Children’s every day.
We recently had the chance to sit down with these inspirational volunteers:
1) How did you become involved with Franciscan Children’s?
JW: When I got to BC, I joined a volunteer organization called 4Boston that connects students with over 42 organizations in the area, for 4 hours per week. Franciscan Children’s and 4Boston had an over 20 year connection, and I have a passion for medicine, pursuing a pre-Med degree, so it seemed like a natural fit for me.
TB: I also got involved through 4Boston. Franciscan Children’s is the most sought after placement at BC, and with my interest in mental health, I really thought it would be a beneficial place for me to volunteer.
2) When did you start volunteering here?
TB & JW: We’ve been volunteering here for 4 hours per week since we started at BC four years ago.
3) What are your favorite units/areas to volunteer for? Why?
TB: When we first started here, we were split into two groups – one group volunteers on the inpatient medical units, and one group volunteers with the Community Based Acute Treatment program (CBAT) . The inpatient medical units provide long-term care for infants, kids, and teens in need of rehabilitation—whether that’s learning to walk, breathe, or eat. The CBAT program provides mental health care for 4-14 year olds in need of intense care and stabilization.
I chose CBAT since I was interested in mental health and it completely changed the course of my life. I went into it thinking that I’d be able to help a few kids, but every time I walk off of the floor at the end of my shift, those kids have taught me so much more about resiliency and strength than I could ever hope to teach them.
JW: I had been fascinated by medicine since I was younger, and knew I always wanted to work with children, so the inpatient medical floors were a perfect choice for me. The patients and families that are at Franciscan Children’s are absolutely inspirational. The hope, resiliency, and strength of a kid is amazing, and you see that to the nth degree volunteering here.
4) Has giving back always been a part of your life, or is this a new experience?
JW: My family has always advocated the importance of giving back, so it was a huge part of my upbringing. I also went to a Jesuit high school, and now BC, where they really encourage getting involved in your local community and being passionate about volunteerism.
TB: I agree. I went to a Jesuit high school as well, and volunteering and giving back was a huge part of the curriculum and environment. I also really enjoy the community aspect of volunteering, so it was a natural fit for me. Plus, I love the kids on CBAT so I felt I needed to do it.
5) What do you like best about volunteering at Franciscan Children’s?
TB: I absolutely love interacting with the kids on CBAT, of course – they are so resilient, so strong, and that makes such an impact on you. But I also truly admire and respect the staff that works there day in and day out. They care so much about making the lives of their patients better, and you see that with every interaction. Volunteering here has changed the course of my life – I’m now pursuing psychology and hope to become a case manager or social worker after seeing the complexities of legality and public policy in access to mental health care during my time spent here.
JW: I think the bonds that I’ve made with patients here are some of the most meaningful I’ve ever experienced, and really shaped my opinion of what it means to be volunteering at such a special place. It’s the first time I ever had the feeling of being so excited to go in then hearing that a patient went home – you’re sad that you don’t get to interact with them anymore, but so incredibly thrilled that they’re finally home and back to living their lives.
6) What would you like people who aren’t familiar with Franciscan Children’s to know about the work we do?
JW: How brave and strong you have to be, both the patients and the staff. The Child Life Specialists, the nurses, the staff, the kids – no matter what the day brings, the vibe all the time is happy, even when a lot of these kids are going through the worst that life has to offer.
TB: I agree. I’d also like people to be aware of the amazing staff in CBAT. They are so dedicated and amazing at a job that is often underappreciated. It’s beyond a job for them— they truly just care about these kids and want to see them succeed.
We want to thank John, Tommy, and the Boston College community for their dedication and partnership. The direct and lasting impact that they have on our patients, family, and staff is nothing short of amazing and we are truly grateful.
Boston College volunteers: Alexa Granser, Andrea Ocasio, Connor Feick, Heena Nissaraly, Jonathan Bailey, Julia Cardwell, Kaitlin Malley, Kristin Sullivan, John Wagner, Lily Nagengast, Maddie Kaubrys, Olivia Christmann, Parousia Cruz, Rozie Moylan, Tully Horne, Albert Jun.