Teens trade screens for service at North Texas VA

In an era dominated by screens, the Summer Junior Volunteer Program at North Texas VA offers a refreshing contrast to giving ideas on what one can do with free time. Run by the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE), this highly sought after program draws high schoolers away from their phones and into meaningful service with the nation's Veterans.

For years, the Summer Junior Volunteer Program has been the CDCE's flagship, offering a unique chance for young people to experience the inner workings of VA and contribute to Veteran care. Youth volunteers must dedicate at least 80 hours to service, immersing themselves in the daily life of the hospital.

Christian Stephan, a 17-year-old senior at North Garland High School, jumped at the chance to serve Veterans. His great-uncle, an army medic, inspired his respect and admiration for Veterans.

"Helping Veterans fulfills something in my soul. It makes me feel like I'm serving my country by serving them," said Stephan, pictured above, helping a patient during a painting activity.

At the Bonham Community Living Center, Stephan assisted the care team with engaging Veterans through games, activities and therapies. He also gained hands-on experience with supply and inventory management, and contributed to art and fine motor skill activities that bring joy to patients.

Junior volunteers can work in many departments, from Infection Prevention and Control to Chaplain Service, The Fisher House, Critical Care, ICU, Canteen Services and Recreation Therapy. This exposure allows them to talk to medical professionals, gain health care insights and even solidify their goal of pursuing a VA career.

Youth volunteers learned about the crucial role of hand hygiene in infection prevention and disease control and how this expertise influences everything the hospital does, from patient care to engineering and new build projects.

Druthi Muppala, a 16-year-old with dreams of becoming an orthodontist, values the stories Veterans hold. "They love to tell us their stories. It's important that we listen and engage with them, to remember their contributions and who they are as Veterans."

Her time volunteering at the VA hospital opened her eyes to the vast impact of the organization. "VA helps so many more people than you could imagine until you've worked a day here. It's amazing."

The heart and soul behind the Summer Junior Volunteer Program is Bobbie K. Scoggins and her dedicated CDCE team.

"This program allows our hospital to show the community's youth the holistic approach we take to Veteran care. It's about more than just medical needs. It's treating their wellbeing as a whole," Scoggins said.

The North Texas VA Summer Junior Volunteer Program is transformative. It's an opportunity for young people to experience the real VA, to be part of something bigger than themselves. In caring for Veterans, these teens discover the value of service, the power of connection and the rewards of making a difference. As they step away from their screens and into the lives of those who have served, they find fulfillment and inspiration.

For Stephan, Muppala and countless others, this program has become a highlight of their summer, a time to grow, give back and honor our nation's heroes.

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