Blood donation is a simple act that can be lifesaving, and MAST is providing students and employees the chance to donate blood again this year. This blood drive provides an option for eligible donors to help local hospitals while receiving free snacks, drinks, and community service hours or rewards for participating. Donating blood aids patients in need of transfusions during surgery, accidents, or illnesses. To better understand how students felt about donating and why they were interested in participating, several students and staff members shared their experiences.
Several students who participated in the school blood drive stated that they found the experience much less complicated than they had expected. Senior Ricky Rojas stated, “I wasn’t nervous since I have had my blood drawn before.” He noted that after feeling “a little lightheaded,” he quickly regained his strength once he ate and drank water. As Rojas shares, this is a common concern among students that is easily remedied.
His experience was similar to Jared Bellinson’s. Before donating, Bellinson reported that he felt “just normal, like any other day,” but afterward, he felt “a little tired, but fine.” Despite initial concerns, students felt comfortable and surprisingly well.
In addition to sharing their experiences, students were asked why they believed donating blood was important. Many stated that they wanted to support others and help the community; these feelings of selflessness motivated them to participate. Noah Jara reported that even though he was initially reluctant, “the idea of donating to save lives” was a driving factor in his participation.
Blood donation is an easy way to acquire community service hours and feel a sense of personal fulfillment. More importantly, students recognize the impact of the blood drive on those outside the school community. Ricky Rojas shared that after seeing a close friend require multiple blood transfusions, donating felt important to him because he realized that “one donation can go a long way,” adding that “it helps hospitals that need blood to help their sick patients.” Donated blood is also necessary to prevent shortages during emergency situations. The blood is sent to local hospitals and blood banks so that patients can receive life-saving treatment. Ultimately, the school blood drive plays a vital role in serving the community as a whole.