I address community crises by marshaling and organizing resources, networks, and messages.
Deepa Iyer, Solidarity Is and Building Movement Project
Right now, I am volunteering at Denver Health. I have been able to help a lot with the COVID-19 situation. That includes screening patients as they come in, taking them to the department where they need to be seen, translating, and delivering free items to hospital staff who have been putting their own lives at risk. As a Frontline Responder, I have seen how families and patients feel about the pandemic. Some are very confused, some are scared, others not so much; it has shown me the importance of always making everyone feel as comfortable and as safe as possible.
Tell us about your role at the hospital. What's the most valuable thing you have learned? What has been most challenging?
The most valuable thing I have learned as a pathfinder volunteer at the hospital is that there will be times where you will experience something really difficult or have difficult patients, but having a lot of patience and empathy goes a long way. I always try to make the most out of my shifts because every time I go I learn something new. Even a brief conversation with someone makes a difference in their day as well as mine. What is most challenging about this role is that there are only a limited number of things that I can do, and I wish I could do more.
What are you most passionate about?
What I am most passionate about is helping and representing my community, as I have experienced firsthand what it feels like to be a woman of color and a survivor. I want to be able to give back and make others feel comfortable and feel safe asking for help. I feel very fulfilled when I am able to help someone, and I can say that is what I am most passionate about.
What are some of your college and career goals? Why are those goals important to you?
As a first-generation student I am planning to get my Bachelor's degree at the University of Denver and potentially major in Biological Sciences to pursue a career in medicine. I also plan on minoring in Leadership and Organization as part of the Colorado Women's College Leadership Scholars Program, and becoming either an Emergency Room Physician, a Registered Nurse, or a Dentist. These goals are very important to me because I want to be able to be someone in life and give back to my community as much as I can.