High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2026

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Course Code

LDR

Course Number

3950

Faculty/Instructor

Dr. Virginia Koch

Faculty/Instructor Email

Virginia.Koch@ucf.edu

About the Author

My name is Aashna Shah, and I am a student at the University of Central Florida majoring in Psychology with a Biology minor on the pre-health track. I am involved in the LEAD Scholars Academy, Leadership Week, Indian Student Association, Knight Raas, Kappa Delta, and campus leadership programs. Through these experiences, I have learned how important service, teamwork, and compassion are in both leadership and healthcare. For my service-learning project, I volunteered with Shepherd’s Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides free healthcare to uninsured and underinsured adults in Central Florida. I am very thankful to Shepherd’s Hope for giving me the opportunity to serve for a second semester. I would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, translators, staff, and volunteers who welcomed me and showed me what compassionate healthcare looks like. Lastly, I am grateful to Dr. Virginia Koch, the LEAD Scholars Academy, and UCF for supporting this service-learning experience.

Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement

My service-learning project, “Helping the Whole Heart,” focuses on my second semester volunteering with Shepherd’s Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides free healthcare to uninsured and underinsured adults in Central Florida. The purpose of my project was to support the clinic while learning more about healthcare access, service, and community responsibility. During my shifts, I helped greet patients, check them in, prepare charts, organize paperwork, and assist the clinic team wherever I was needed. Through this experience, I learned that healthcare is about more than just medical treatment. It is also about patience, communication, compassion, and making patients feel respected. I also learned that small tasks can still have a meaningful impact. Even helping at the front desk or keeping the clinic organized can make the experience less stressful for patients and help the clinic run more smoothly. This project reminded me that service means showing up, being present, and caring for the whole person.

Keywords

Shepherd’s Hope; free healthcare; uninsured patients; service-learning; community service; healthcare access; Central Florida; civic responsibility; compassionate care; health equity; volunteerism; patient dignity; nonprofit healthcare; LEAD Scholars Academy; University of Central Florida

Helping The Whole Heart


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