Hospital Work Leaves Students Feeling Good

Don’t let the waist-length braids and youthful appearance fool you. Even though Mish Mizrahi looks like she just put away her dolls to make room on the shelf for schoolbooks, the articulate 16-year-old actually handles real-life babies at Valley Presbyterian Hospital’s pediatric ward.

“The kids light up when I walk in the room,” the Van Nuys High School Medical Magnet student said of her volunteer effort with children from infancy to 11 years old that began as a school project and quickly became a passion. “This experience has increased my desire to be in pediatrics; I can’t think of anything else I want to do.”

Mish and fellow medical magnet student Joshua Shibata, both juniors, got hooked on their hospital volunteer jobs about two years ago, after a series of school field trips to Northridge Hospital Medical Center, where the science students enjoyed hands-on experiences.

The pair, along with others in the magnet program, observed surgeries, spoke with medical professionals and visited a number of wards at the hospital over several weeks.

“When I began volunteering, I didn’t know at first what I would get out of it,” Joshua said about his twice-weekly two-hour shift as a volunteer escort at the Northridge medical facility. “I quickly realized that I could help the older adults, who need someone to talk to. It makes me feel good; I don’t have the words to describe it.”

Mish, who spends about four hours a week at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, said she helps nurses monitor young patients’ vital signs, changes diapers and feeds the babies. She arrives on the ward with sticker books and games, all of which make her a welcome visitor.

“I feel better that I’m helping other people,” said Mish, who has assisted patients suffering from sickle-cell anemia, respiratory ailments and other illnesses. “The kids need lots of attention. They have no control over their lives when they’re in the hospital, and I love to give them my time.”

It’s hard to imagine that Mish and Joshua have much time to spare. The honor students take challenging science and math classes, advanced-placement courses and are involved in extracurricular activities.

“These kids are motivated by intrinsic interests and activities, not by recognition for their good grades,” said Bob Takano, Van Nuys High School science teacher and magnet academic coordinator. “We have a culture here that’s achievement-oriented, and [Mish and Joshua] do very well.”

Joshua, who plans to pursue a career in sports medicine, allows that he also needs time to relax.

“I always make time to smell the roses,” the Encino resident said. “Volunteering and schoolwork don’t take up all my waking moments. I still have time for dating.”

Mish, a Sherman Oaks resident, said she became interested in medicine when, at the age of 11, she tuned in to a television news program that showed a brain surgeon saving a patient’s life. She said she knew then that she wanted to help people too.

“I’m happiest when I’m at the hospital, where I feel I’m needed,” Mish said. “Knowing that I’m helping these kids lights up my day.”

Josh agreed. “Working at [Northridge Hospital] has increased my interest in medicine. Even if you’re smart enough to be a doctor, you need the experience of hanging around a hospital to know if you want to pursue the field. The best thing you can do if you’re interested in medicine is to volunteer.”

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