COVID Testing/Crisis Text Line Community Service Project

Joanny Marte, Psychology

Volunteering to assist with COVID-19 testing and crisis services, and making infographics to share relevant data and information.

Participating as a volunteer for the COVID-19 testing site at UB’s medical campus and for online crisis services, I felt that creating infographics for my project would be the best way to illustrate the importance of medical and mental health care. The infographics include background information on agencies, a description of roles and responsibilities, competencies/skills I’ve personally developed, and how my personal volunteering experience has helped me in pursuing my future goals. As part of the community service project at the COVID-19 testing site, I helped reduce the spread of COVID within my community, by giving clear instructions to individuals when performing their tests and disinfecting stations. For the crisis service project, I helped individuals all over the United States suffering from depression or child abuse, using imminent risk assessment of the crisis-text line to determine whether someone was at high-risk and then communicating a safety plan. My experience was enhancing because I learned how to effectively set goals and carry out a plan, which helped me develop new skills by volunteering at these agencies. Working through the PEARL process helped me prepare for job opportunities, such as explaining the skills I’ve developed while sharing my unique story during an interview. I feel like other students should get involved in projects like this because it can help you figure out what interests you for your career goals. It can also help students personalize their own experiences with their unique creativity. The helpful feedback from my project mentor made me feel more motivated throughout this project journey. I enjoyed working on the ELN project, and it made me feel more confident and determined to pursue my career and accomplish my long-term goals.