2023 cvahcs summer student program a success | va columbia south carolina health care | veterans affairs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Columbia VA Health Care System hosted a Summer Student Program with 74 middle and high school students this year. The group included 10 sets of siblings. “Every year, VA

Medical Centers across the nation host middle and high school students, giving them an opportunity to have a firsthand experience to care for Veterans and gain valuable volunteer and work

experiences,” said Yolaunda Mincey, Volunteer Service Officer. “This year the Columbia VA Health Care System accepted 74 students, ages 13–17 years old from 24 schools, to volunteer at the

Dorn VA Medical Center on the main campus in Columbia and our community-based outpatient clinic in Greenville, South Carolina. And, in 2023, we had 10 sets of siblings in the program, the

highest ever.” This year’s program consists of a hybrid model: specialized research projects and STEM enrichment activities.  This includes assignments in different departments, lunch &

learn opportunities, and special activities, to include seminars, student leadership and journal clubs, networking, presentation skills, and mentoring.  The group went on a field trip to the

Center for Disease Control in Atlanta and also received CPR certification. The Research Summer program has expanded from 11 students in 2022 to 34 high school students this year.  The

selections were based upon educational qualifications, interests, and references, with the Office of Research under the leadership of Dr. Michael J. Ryan, Ph.D. “It was different and helped

me to see what there is besides the medical side of the hospital,” said Zoe Glenn, a 12th grader. “I had lots of favorite experiences, but the most recent was the segment with the rat brain

where we dissected and dyed a brain to see how stress affects the physical appearance of the brain.” “I volunteered so I would have something to do during the summer and thought this would

be a good way to spend my time,” said Clare Roberson, a 10th grader. Her favorite part, “Meeting new people and learning a lot.” Both Glenn and Robeson said they hope to be back next summer.

“These students need to know what they’ve accomplished is important and know that we as the leaders at the hospital appreciate what they’re doing. And that we’re looking forward to them

being the future of the VA and of science and of healthcare for Veterans,” says Ryan. The sets of siblings included Ana and Sofia Armuellas; Selah, Seth, Sian and Suri Cantave; Aarush and

Arnav Jani; Dominic and Kennedy June; Kennedy and Madysen Kearse; Chrystian and Makenzy Nesmith; Blythe and Hunter Robinson; Jenesis and Jeremiah Wesley; Alexander Corley and Jasmine Willis;

and Paris Dones and Mekhi Johnson. Several of the siblings discussed how they were able to become closer during the program. Chrystian Nesmith, a 9th grader, said, “It helps us hang out

more since we don’t like hanging out at home.” His sister Makenzy Nesmith said, “It makes us communicate more.” Makenzy is an 11th grader. Sian Cantave, one of four Cantave siblings, said

“This program has brought us together because we have lunch three times per week together.” Selah agreed, “We are having a lot more conversations.” Sian and Selah are 10th graders.         

“We worked on our team building skills and bonding,” said 11th grader Arnav Jani. His brother, Aarush Jani added, “We got to see each other participate in the activities.” Aarush is an 8th

grader. The summer interns were assigned to various departments throughout the hospital. Many were surprised at what they learned and what they experienced. “What surprised me was learning

what things the police do other than what you see on television,” said Dominic June, a 10th grader. “I was assigned to the Canteen and got to work at Starbucks,” said Seth Cantave, an 8th

grader. “I didn’t know how interesting it was to make the drinks, and how hard their baristas worked.” Kennedy Kearse, a 12th grader, was assigned to the Emergency Department. “I got to

watch a medical emergency happen. I got to watch the whole response. It was amazing.” Most of the siblings said, when asked, that they would like to participate again next year. “I have had

the privilege of witnessing the diligence and intelligence displayed by the students within the program. Engaging in conversations with these students has consistently revealed their bright

ideas, passions, and remarkable wisdom beyond their years,” said Jessica Sayegh, a Summer Volunteer Program Assistant and 2023 University of South Carolina Chemistry/Molecular Biology

graduate. Sayegh was a Summer Intern in 2018 and has volunteered with the VA ever since.  “Witnessing their potential and growth fills me with a sense of pride in having played a part in

their journey. Over time, I have observed significant growth and development in this program. I am eagerly looking forward to its continued progress and success in the future.”