This blog is part of a series showcasing chapters that won awards in this year’s MEDLIFE Awards. Each week, we will talk to a chapter to hear about their keys to success. Find out how to start a MEDLIFE chapter at your school HERE.
A Year of Success for Miami University’s MEDLIFE Chapter
The Miami University MEDLIFE chapter has had a very successful year! They have taken great initiative to promote our service learning trips in Moshi this past Winter. They went above and beyond by sending over 40 students to participate in a service learning trip in Tanzania. As a result, one of our main projects was completed: the construction of a house for one of our patients, Bibi. Additionally, we provided medical attention to multiple areas of Moshi.
Keep reading to find out what MEDLIFE MU Chapter President, Ellie Sidler, had to say about her chapter’s recent success!
Starting with MEDLIFE: A Freshman’s Journey
Ellie Sidler began her journey with MEDLIFE in her freshman year of college. At Miami University, the “Megafair” event brings all student organizations together to advertise their clubs. Ellie was immediately intrigued by the medical brigades, local volunteer opportunities, and the informative and fun meetings. MEDLIFE offered the best of both worlds—service abroad and locally—which aligned perfectly with her goals.
Strategies for Success: Building a Strong Community
As President, Ellie implemented new strategies to gather support and inspire students. The chapter focused on creating a stronger community within its members. They hosted multiple study rooms and organized a trip to a nearby forest preserve for a bonfire and yoga event. These activities helped members build strong friendships, solidifying their commitment to MEDLIFE. Additionally, they used a point system to encourage participation: members needed to earn fundraising points, volunteering points, and attend most meetings to stay in good standing.
Greatest Achievements: 5K and Hair Drive Events
Ellie highlighted their 5K and Hair Drive events as their greatest achievements. The 5K raised $3,000 for the Oxford Free Clinic and $2,000 for MEDLIFE missions. The Hair Drive was a new event this semester, encouraging members and the community to donate 8 inches of hair to Children With Hair Loss. They received 40 donations, creating a positive and encouraging environment.
Engaging Members: Diverse and Fun Meetings
To keep members engaged, the chapter organized fun and diverse meetings. They held suture clinics, practiced with blood pressure cuffs, watched documentaries, and Skyped with doctors. Despite some challenges with smooth transitions to new positions, they hope to re-engage old members and attract new ones with better meetings next semester.
Memorable Experiences: Mobile Brigades and New Events
Ellie’s most memorable experience was participating in a mobile brigade her freshman year. This experience drove her commitment to MEDLIFE and her school work. More recently, creating the Hair Drive event at Miami was a rewarding learning experience. Seeing her vision come to fruition and exceed expectations was beyond rewarding.
Future Plans: Growth and New Themes
Looking ahead, the chapter plans to continue growing and increasing member engagement. They organize weekly volunteer events in Cincinnati and Hamilton, Ohio, providing valuable experiences for members. This year, they will change the 5K theme to a “zombie run,” hoping to reach more organizations and increase community participation.
Advice for Other Chapters
Ellie advises other chapters to lean on their fellow exec members and support them in their endeavors. A committed and cohesive exec board can make huge leaps and bounds.
Miami University chapter members at the Color Run 5k.
The Color Run 5k proved to be a valuable fundraiser.