As the famous lyrics to the 1980s hit “Celebration” by Kool and The Gang states - Celebrate good times, come on…!!! – and that’s exactly what took place at the 2021 HCOP Structured Summer Program Virtual Awards and Recognition Ceremony.
On Friday, July 16, 2021, Creighton University’s Pipeline to Success Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) held its virtual Awards and Recognition Ceremony for its 2021 Structured Summer Program participants – twenty-five (25) high school and twenty-five (25) undergraduate students. The ceremony took place to honor the students’ hard work, and successful completion of the six-week program session.
The program started with words of welcome by Ms. Aminatu Issaka – HCOP Program Supervisor and Dr. Sade Kosoko-Lasaki – HCOP Program Director. After a few words of welcome, the program shifted to taking a stroll down memory lane by looking back at the numerous program activities held throughout the summer session as well as watching an inspirational TED Talk focused on the importance of ‘grit’. Next up was a quick icebreaker and then on to the portion of the program where three (3) students offered reflections to discuss their experience with the HCOP program. In addition HCOP staff, instructors, fellow students, and workshop facilitators were also able to share their overall thoughts about the program.
The keynote speaker for the event was Larry Duncan, LIMHP, LPC, LADC, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services at Charles Drew Health Center, Inc. in Omaha, Nebraska. His words on the importance of identifying your T.A.G. (talents, abilities, and gifts) as a student and future health professional were truly inspiring.
The event ended with final remarks by staff and students and a much-anticipated virtual dance party where all students and staff were donned in their very own HCOP T-shirts. All students were provided a digital Certificate of Completion as well as a Certificate of Virtual Clinical Immersion to signify the hours spent in the programs’ virtual clinical shadowing activities provided by BodyInteract™ sessions.
The HCOP slogan was repeated several times during the program which states the following - “Once HCOP, Always HCOP!” Meaning, of course, that students are always encouraged and welcome to stay in contact with HCOP staff and instructors going forward. In addition, the HCOP team is always available for future support along the journey to success. While the end of the program session was bittersweet, we know that it’s not goodbye, but simply “see you later!”
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