‘Commitment to serving everyone’
OneWorld volunteer reflects on summer experience
Note: The following reflection was shared by Martha Mullen, a senior at Duchesne Academy. Martha is a Certified Nursing Assistant who volunteered with OneWorld in the summer of 2025.
By Martha Mullen
I first heard of OneWorld through my softball coach, Sarah Miller.* One of the most energetic and animated, but always positive, coaches I have ever had worked at OneWorld, and I knew right away it must be a special place to be a part of.
In January of 2025, I was looking for an opportunity to get involved in the medical field. I had always wanted to be a doctor, and events in my life that past year had confirmed that for me.
I was thinking of people I could reach out to about getting some clinical experience, and Sarah Miller came to mind. She was always so welcoming and enjoyable to be around, I had no hesitation texting her. Sarah helped me meet Courtney, who then helped me meet Tania, Rochelle and Esmirna.** We made a game plan – I had gotten my CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), so I could help volunteer in a few of the specialty clinics.
I was very excited about this. I wanted to get real-world experience with patients, and this was a fantastic way to do it. The locations where I helped this summer were the OneWorld Teen & Young Adult Health Center (TYAHC) West, TYAHC South and the OneWorld Stephen Center Clinic.
These locations all offered something special to me. I enjoyed being at the TYAHCs because the population served there was close to my age, and I believe that gave me a unique perspective into the care given. I enjoyed seeing this care because it is such an impactful period in someone’s life, and spending time at TYAHCs showed me the diverse care given to a specific age group. Whatever a patient was feeling that day, the staff would do everything they could to meet the needs of each patient.
Being at the Stephen Center opened my eyes to many things. One thing that truly stuck out to me was every patient’s attitude. They are not resentful, but excited and grateful for the opportunities being provided to them. They are grateful for the care and support the OneWorld community brings to them. I learned what a beautiful thing the community at the Stephen Center is – so many individuals working to help a marginalized population in our city.
Finally, the staff at OneWorld amazed me this summer. Everyone – provider, nurse, medical assistant and everyone in between – was so kind and welcoming to me. They did not care that this was my first time in a patient setting or that I was limited in my scope of practice. Everyone I encountered encouraged me to get involved where I could. Additionally, everyone wanted me to learn. I never felt guilty for asking questions or messing up. Whenever I made a mistake, I was met with positive feedback and someone helping me solve the problem. I felt right at home, right away, and it was the welcoming and caring staff that created that environment.
I believe OneWorld’s commitment to serving everyone in their community truly spoke to me this summer. There is no patient OneWorld would not try to help, and their dedication to their patients is inspiring. When a patient walks out the door, they are not forgotten. I learned how much OneWorld does to keep in touch with them, specifically with following up on referrals and outpatient activity. The care provided is not just inside a OneWorld building, but throughout the whole community.
My time and experience at OneWorld is something I am grateful for, and I am excited to take aspects of this undeniable care shown into my daily life to make me a better person for my community.
* Sarah Miller, APRN, CPNP-PC, is Chief of Medical Services
** Courtney Nelson, RN, MSN, is Director of Nursing; Tania Murrell, MSN, RN, AMB-BC, is Associate Director of Nursing; Rochelle Loseke-Wray, BSN, RN, is Clinical Services Manager – TYAHC South, Indian Hill, Spring Lake & Stephen Center; and Esmirna Salinas Cruceno, BSN, RN, is Clinical Services Manager – TYAHC West, Liberty, Bryan High & Buena Vista.