MOLLY WRIGHT, B.S.’20
Rising to exceptional challenges is one thing that college graduates from 2020 will be known for. Despite unforeseen obstacles, like finishing their degrees via distance learning and entering an uncertain job market, they persevere.
New Western Michigan University graduate Molly Wright is no different. In fact, she is one of many Broncos who faces those challenges head on and uses them as opportunities to prepare for the future.
Wright, who earned her degree in healthcare services and sciences and leadership and business strategy, serves as an intern at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. She started her rotation in general surgery and currently works in patient transport, navigating the COVID-19 crisis each day as new information becomes available.
“This experience has made me realize we are all working together to care for patients as best we can,” Wright says. “I am interested to see how this will impact healthcare in the long run.”
Wright says the most challenging aspect of her day is helping patients stay calm in the wake of the pandemic. “I always do my best to make sure patients feel safe,” she says. “I explain our processes to them and make sure they know we are here to help. To me, it’s important to keep in mind that each patient could be your parent, sibling, friend or loved one—you would not want them treated differently because of the disease. Therefore, I always try to do what is best for each patient.”
Despite the weight of the circumstances, Wright views each day at Bronson as a learning experience—something her WMU courses have prepared her for. “My classes, especially in leadership and business strategy, have helped prepare me for this because we are always encouraged to ‘Go after it,’” she says. “The work I am doing now will set me up for success in the future. I do not want to tell employers that I quit because I was afraid of the virus. I want to tell them that I stepped up to take on that challenge in more ways than one.”
Wright says at the end of the day, there are many lessons to be learned from her experience. “Realize how important you are to bettering the world. Take a sick day when you feel sick, as this could save lives. Wash your hands, even when we are not constantly reminded to do so. And most importantly, enjoy the time we have with one another.”