For my community engagement project, I am volunteering at Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre in West London. One thing I have learned very quickly is that Maggie’s is very intentional about language. People who come in are not really called “patients.” They are called people. That seems like such a small thing at first, but it actually says a lot about the place! Maggie’s is connected to Charing Cross Hospital, but it is meant to feel like a home. There are no uniforms. There is no cold hospital feeling. People can come in, sit down, have tea, talk, cry, laugh, join a group, or just be quiet for a little bit.
I connect with community members mostly through conversations. A lot of people have so much to tell me. Sometimes they talk about their treatment or family. Sometimes they talk about grief. Sometimes they ask me about America, Columbia, or why I am in London. A lot of them also tell me to go explore and enjoy the city! I think that has been one of the sweetest parts. I have left the center with a list of places that everyone wants to me to visit at least 4 times! Even when people are going through something so hard, they still ask me where I have been, what I have seen, and what I should do next.
The common cause I find at Maggie’s is pretty simple. Everyone wants people going through cancer to feel less alone. That includes the staff, volunteers, families, and the people who come in for support. It is emotional care, but in a very human way. It is a cup of tea. It is remembering someone’s name. And it is sitting with someone when they do not know what to say yet. I attached a photo of the entrance because the building is honestly beautiful. Maggie’s West London is bright orange and surrounded by garden spaces, so it already feels different before you even walk inside. It has also won major architecture awards, which makes sense once you see it! The whole place feels designed to protect people from the hospital right next to it.
My biggest concern is managing my own emotions. There are times when bereaved people come in, and I feel so inexperienced. It is hard to talk about someone else’s grief because I never want to say the wrong thing. The Maggie’s staff have been incredible though. They talk me through difficult moments and explain what helps. I am learning that I do not always need the perfect words. Sometimes being calm, kind, and present is the most important thing. 

I am also trying my best to explore and eat everywhere!! I visited the Harry Potter Studio Tour and had the best time!!  I also met a celebrity! Her name is Sana and she was on Desi Bling in the Prada Cafe! Hopefully, I meet Harry Styles or Tom Holland next!