Mikayla Green admits she’s a science nerd.
‘Or maybe even a science freak,? laughs Green, 17. ‘When I was growing up, I collected rocks, hundreds of them. I even collected sand, little jars filled every place we went on vacation.?
While Green’s unique childhood gatherings may be only a memory now’the knowledge gleaned from years of picking and probing at the most simple science discovery may someday save lives.
Green, a Goodrich High School senior, is taking aim at a career in physiology and in September will be starting a rigorous 12 years of study at Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University.
Green’s arduous path started in June 2014 when she volunteered at the ER at Hurley Medical Center in Flint.
‘It was a shock at first,? she said. ‘But you get used to the people that come in to the ER. I’ve seen gunshot wounds, deceased, overdoses and stabbed patients. It has been a great education while just confirming what I want to do with my life. I also have a new perspective on the fantastic and well-trained staff at Hurley. There are so many people there behind the scenes that take care of patients during a traumatic time.?
Green’s commitment and dedication to Hurley earned her December’s ‘Volunteer of the Month,? selected by the staff of the emergency department and Child Life.
Members of the Hurley ER staff commented on Mikayla’s work in a monthly newsletter.
‘Mikayla has been an exceptional asset to the emergency department during her time as a volunteer. She can often be seen throughout the emergency department stocking rooms, getting items for patients, or helping with various staff. Mikayla is helpful, thoughtful, and always smiling and pleasant with staff and patients alike. Mikayla is a true example of an exemplary Hurley volunteer and genuinely deserves to be recognized for all her hard work.?
‘I really want to be an ER doctor,? said Green. ‘I know I’ll be in school until I’m 30-years-old, but that’s what it takes. It will be worth it.?
Mikayla is the daughter of Connie and Chris Green of Atlas Township.