Practicing Intentionality

When FrancisCorps began in August of 2024, I really didn’t know what to expect. I can remember the weeks leading up to the experience, and so many of my friends and family asking me questions that I could simply not answer at the time: “Who will you be living with?”, “What will you be doing?”, “Are you sure this is what you want to do?” All of these questions swirled in my mind as I packed and moved to a city quite far from my hometown. Now, as I am back in my hometown, reflecting on the past year of my life, I can’t help but feel a slew of emotions. From gratitude for God’s grace and countless blessings, to sadness from missing all those whom I met throughout my time spent in Syracuse, I can confidently say I am not the same person I was eleven months ago.

Having the opportunity to serve at the Poverello Health Center this year has invigorated my passion for healthcare and has given me a new sense of upholding human dignity through medicine. Before coming to FrancisCorps, I had planned on pursuing a Master’s degree in Nursing with a focus on Acute and Emergency Adult/Gerontology Care. As I began the journey of working in a primary care setting, I fell in love with the environment, which allows for extensive one on one time between each provider and patient, something that our current health care system lacks. Our healthcare system has become one of efficiency rather than one of intentionality. Intentional medical care was something that I didn’t believe was possible, not until I worked alongside the nurses, nurse practitioners, and doctors who all strive to meet each patient with dignity, love and intentionality. It is through seeing intentional medicine in action that I have made the choice to pursue my Master’s in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner in hopes of becoming a Primary Care Provider. I have learned that intentional medicine is possible, and honestly, a much better method of care. As I begin my schooling and practice, I plan on bringing all the gifts and knowledge I have received this last year into the classroom and clinical setting.

While I knew that I wanted to become a Nurse Practitioner after my service year came to a close, I had no idea how much this year would impact my future studies and practice. I am forever indebted to the lessons learned, gifts received, and knowledge gained from this year. As I continue to move on from my year in Syracuse, I look forward to uncovering more of how I have been shaped by the FrancisCorps experience. While there is truly only one Poverello Health Center, I will strive to bring small pieces of Poverello everywhere I go. I now know what St. Francis meant when he said, “Spread the Gospel, and if necessary use words.” As I move to Boston and begin my studies at Mass General Brigham Hospital, I hope to continue to spread the Gospel with my actions and use a few words as possible.

Categories: General

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