HARLINGEN — While her friends were spending Spring Break on South Padre Island, Fatima Rodriguez was helping veterans.
For the 17-year-old Harlingen High School South junior, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic has turned into the place where she spends her vacation time.
“That’s usually what I do on my breaks,” said Rodriguez, the daughter of Monica Rodriguez of Harlingen.
“It’s something I enjoy doing instead of getting in trouble at the beach.”
Since July 2017, Rodriguez has logged about 50 hours volunteering at the VA clinic.
“Basically, I’m there every time I get the chance. When I don’t have school, that’s the best place I can think of to spend my time,” she said.
“It’s really exciting to help out the people who served our country. It’s a little help for the big things they did.”
For Rodriguez, the clinic’s the place where she’s taking her first steps into the medical field.
When she graduates from high school, she plans to study for a medical career.
“I thought going to the VA clinic would be a good way to get experience,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot of communication skills and acronyms for health problems.”
At the clinic, Rodriguez is putting together a network of professional contacts.
“It is wonderful to see young people like Fatima volunteer because it sets a positive example for other youth in the community to follow,” said Lilia A. Garcia, the clinic’s voluntary service specialist.
“Volunteers like Fatima are a priceless resource for the Department of Veterans Affairs. We were so happy to have her spend her Spring Break by helping us serve our Veterans. We look forward to having her back to volunteer in the summer.”
All her life, Rodriguez has enjoyed reaching out to help others.
“I just really like to help out,” she said. “It’s fun to meet a lot of new people. It’s a good feeling knowing I helped out.”