Tiny Shoes, Big Perspective

Today reminded me how much children can teach us about gratitude, compassion, and what truly matters in life.

I had the opportunity to spend time in pharmacy with Dr. Eric, and it was so interesting learning more about medications and the reasoning behind why they are prescribed. As students, we spend so much time studying diseases and treatments, but being able to connect that knowledge to real patients made everything feel more meaningful. It reminded me that every medication represents a person, a story, and a family hoping for healing.

Later, I got to work with Dr. Lauri in pediatrics, and honestly, it was one of the most inspiring experiences I have had so far. Watching the way she cares for children and families was beautiful to witness. She works with so much patience, intelligence, and heart. Even in busy moments, she still makes every child feel important. You can tell she genuinely loves helping children and wants the best for every family that walks through those doors.

But one moment today stayed with me more than anything else.We had a child with foot injuries, and Dr. Lauri recommended getting new shoes. The mother quietly explained that she could not afford them.

Something about that moment hit me deeply.

As simple as shoes may seem to some people, in that moment they represented something much bigger. They represented the quiet struggles many families carry every single day while still trying their best to care for their children. I immediately felt humbled. I started thinking about the things I complain about sometimes and how easy it is to forget how blessed we truly are.

Children have a way of changing your perspective without even realizing it. They remind you that kindness matters, that small things are not small to everyone, and that healthcare is not only about treating illness. Sometimes it is about listening, understanding, and recognizing the humanity behind every situation.

I left today feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratitude for my education, for the opportunity to learn from incredible providers, and for the chance to meet families who unknowingly teach me lessons I could never learn from a textbook.

Experiences like today are the reason I feel so drawn toward working in healthcare. Kids deserve advocates. They deserve people who care not only about their medical needs, but about their lives, their struggles, and their futures.

Day two was truly unforgettable, and today reminded me that some of the most meaningful lessons in healthcare come from the smallest moments.

-Nathaly Galaviz