Every year, Aultman Alliance Community Hospital (AACH) welcomes students aged 16 and up to volunteer during their summer break. The program provides invaluable experience, particularly for students interested in medical careers.

As a student volunteer, North Canton Hoover High School junior Maria Bopp helps with cookie baking for the patient floors at AACH. She also serves as a patient advocate, visiting patients and offering hospitality items from the patient advocacy cart.

What are your interests and involvement at school?

I have been on my school's dance team since freshman year. I also dance at a local studio and teach young students an introduction to dance class.

At school, I have been a guidance aide for two years. This year, I am on Link Crew, mentoring freshmen throughout the year.

I also served as one of two ambassadors from Hoover High School at the HOBY Youth Leadership Conference.

What motivated you to volunteer in the summer program at Aultman Alliance Community Hospital?

While I was at the HOBY Youth Leadership Conference, they challenged us to give 100 hours of volunteer service. That’s why I reached out to the hospital about volunteering.

Describe a typical day of volunteering.

After I sign in at the hospital, I bake cookies. Then I visit patients as I pass out cookies to all whose diet allows, and I offer them activities and items from the advocacy cart.

What are the most important things you’ve learned from this experience?

The most important lesson I’ve learned while volunteering is how to be empathetic to people. I have had the opportunity to serve people who vary in age and have different medical challenges, and that has made volunteering so fulfilling. Helping people who are dealing with a difficult situation will help me in any career I choose.

Applications for the annual Aultman Alliance Community Hospital summer volunteer program are accepted beginning in mid-March and are due in mid-May of each year.