Inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic to consider becoming a doctor, a senior majoring in biomedical science has been volunteering at Kahuku Medical Center through the Cope Health Scholar program that helps students get in-person hospital experience.
Natasha Mathurent from Venezuela, said, “I have 101 different interests. So, I don’t know what direction I want to take, but I think that’s fine.”
Even though her future seems unclear, she said having faith in the Lord while doing her best helps her accomplish the things she needs to do.
She stated, “Even though faith should be enough, and it is for a lot of people, I just can’t sit there and do nothing. I think we still need to do our part, and where you can’t, God will come and help us.” To do her part, Mathurent said she loves to plan ahead, know her options and solve the problems life throws at her.
She said sometimes she feels like she’s walking blindly towards a decision, but more often than not, God will tell her if it’s the wrong one. She asserted, “I have my trust in facts, but I also have my faith and trust in God. I feel that in order to give myself the best shot, I need to do my part in helping my situation.” She recognizes her situation isn’t ideal, but said dwelling on negativity only leads to a miserable life.
Mathurent said even though COVID-19 restrictions are easing up, being able to get volunteer time and clinical hours for medical school applications during the pandemic is difficult.
The Cope Health Scholar program allows students to get in-person experience in different areas of the hospital that count toward volunteer hours for medical school, she explained. She said the program has shown her options within the field of biomedical science, but she is still figuring out what she wants to do after graduation.
To be a part of the program, applicants have to go through an interview process, be accepted and then take a test, Mathurent explained. Once they pass the test, she said they can start working with the nurses at the hospital and learn the everyday tasks nurses do. The amount of hands-on experience people have, she said, depends on the nurse they work with that day.
She said helping the nurses with small procedures was more impactful than doing simple jobs like taking out the trash or cleaning. Mathurent said she once helped a nurse in the ICU intubate a patient and said being involved in the process increased her interest in the field.
“I would tell similar majors to start getting experience as soon as possible. ... Getting that experience early helps with managing [the stress of] dealing with all your other classes and helps you realize if this is something you want to do.” If not, she said, people can change their majors and explore their other interests.
“[As students], we were told that if we got a degree there would be job security, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes it’s a stepping stone to the next step.”
One of her close friends, Mahonri Eteru, a senior majoring in psychology from Australia, said he admires Mathurent’s work ethic and drive to get things done, while also putting time aside to have fun.
He shared, “She embodies so many Christlike attributes and is definitely an example and light amongst all students here at BYUH.”
Another close friend of Mathurent described her as the hardest worker she knows. Jillian Ruby, a senior majoring in elementary education from Colorado, explained Mathurent is exceptional at time management and will put her homework before anything else. Ruby said she finds it admirable that, despite her friend’s tight and demanding schedule, she still finds time to reach out to others and stay in contact with her friends.
Mathurent said life can really take a toll on people and while working at the hospital she learned the importance of taking care of herself and her body. After she graduates, she said she is excited to not worry about school. However, taking time for herself allows her to keep pushing forward.
Mathurent described herself as an immigrant child never staying in one place too long growing up. She explained she hasn’t lived in a house for more than five years and has learned to accept change. She said she doesn’t want to live with regret and feels people too often get too comfortable being comfortable.
For Mathurent, she said, “Progress happens within change.” She said her mother always tells her, “You have to do different things to see different results or you’re going to stay at the same level.”
Mathurent said she tells herself when things get hard, if she quits, she will regret it later, and she’ll miss out on the progress she could’ve made.