Published: Wednesday, 12 November 2014 6:55PM

Written by Melissa Vu

"Stress is something that we’ve all encountered before. Although stress may be a common part of our lives, the effects of it can be detrimental to one’s health if not properly handled. As I recognized the importance of coping with this negative feeling, I was blessed with the amazing opportunity to become a member of the Stress Relief Committee. During a Stress Relief class, I remember one patient who wrote down “hopeless” when I asked how he was feeling that day. After teaching an innovative and fun class, I asked the patient to write down how he currently felt after the session. I saw the word “hopeful” written on the paper. A simple change in the word “hope” hit me in ways I never knew could. I was vastly moved by the outcome of this patient, and only aspire to make future patients feel the same way.

The results at the end of each class are, nonetheless, a humbling experience that I will hold with me as I continue my journey in the health field. Even though I am informing patients about stress reducing techniques, I am ultimately learning from them at the end of the day. To know that I can make a difference in someone’s life is beyond gratifying. The positive experiences that I have come across have proved my invested time to be worthwhile and I am inspired by patients every day to continue what I love to do­ ­-- helping you."