By Alyssa Ayudante
“There’s something about having your own set of responsibilities, struggling in your own way, and still finding time to give selflessly to others that makes me feel complete. Seeing the smiles and experiencing the ‘aha’ moments make the effort worthwhile.”
Derek Flores is a first-generation student researcher at CSU Channel Islands. As he completes his undergraduate program as a biology major with a chemistry minor, he reflects on his motivation for volunteering: “I come from a family of low-income Latino immigrants, so I lived in a world of constant financial, medical, and legal issues. Growing up and sharing stories of hardships with others has caused me to have an altruistic outlook in life. I aim to better myself so that I can give back to my local community.”
Derek has been very active during his time at CSU Channel Islands with club participation, hospital internships, and community events. He has held three consecutive officer/leadership roles for the Pre-Medical AMSA Chapter on CSUCI’s campus, including serving as club president for the 2019-2020 academic year. He has plans to attend medical school to become a physician.
“At my core, I’m the little boy that wanted to learn the world, but never really had a father-figure or role model to show me the way. Now that I am an adult, I was able to take this helpless energy and use it to help others who experience life’s struggles. I have the tools and ability to teach someone who’s down and out how to get up.”
His most meaningful volunteer experience is his work in the COPE Health Scholars program, where he served over 500 direct-patient care hours at St. John’s Regional Medical Center and Pleasant Valley Hospital. His experience of ambulating, transporting, feeding, and changing hospitalized patients within various departments of the hospital fills him with feelings of humility and fulfillment. “I believe that we all have two obligations as humans. The first is to reach our true potential as individuals. The second is to uplift and aid those around us. We are all we got.”