How Volunteering Taught Me the Importance of Health Equity

When I first began volunteering, I thought I knew what “equity” meant: giving everyone the same opportunities to succeed. But through my experiences serving my community, I’ve realized that it's more about meeting people where they are and giving them what they truly need to thrive.

At the Sharon Forks Library, I helped plan programs for children and teens, many of whom didn’t always have access to educational resources at home. Watching their excitement as they read new books or participated in workshops reminded me how access to these things can convert their curiosity into a new confidence. Those small moments, such as a child proudly finishing their first chapter book, or a family returning each week, showed me how learning opportunities can shape a person’s future.

More recently, in my school’s phlebotomy and clinical training program, I’ve seen another side of equity: healthcare. Taking vitals, shadowing technicians, and observing patient interactions opened my eyes to how unevenly resources and care can be distributed. Some patients came in with family members by their side and understanding of their health, while others arrived alone, confused, or afraid. Those encounters taught me that health equity is about communication and trust.

Across these experiences, I’ve learned that education and healthcare are deeply connected. Both rely on access and empathy. Health equity starts with volunteers, educators, and healthcare professionals who see others’ needs and act on them.

Volunteering has shown me that small acts of service can cause meaningful impact. Whether it’s helping a child read their first chapter book or comforting a patient before a procedure, each experience is a step toward the advancement of global health equity.