On Sunday, April 25th, Creighton University’s Pipeline to Success Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) held a virtual Awards and Recognition Ceremony for the 2020-2021 Health Careers Ambassador Program participants.
The program started with words of welcome by Program Supervisor Aminatu Issaka and Program Director Dr. Sade Kosoko-Lasaki. Academic Success Counselor Christina Jelinek provided an overview of the numerous program activities held throughout the academic year. Four students had pre-written reflections of their time in the HCOP program and the impact it had upon them, and numerous other students had the opportunity to speak up with their reflection of their time in the program as well.
The keynote speaker for the event was Larry Duncan, LIMHP, LPC, LADC, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services at Charles Drew Health Center, Inc. His words on the qualities and properties of a great “helper” or healthcare worker were truly inspiring.
The HCOP staff took a moment to recognize the successful HCOP mentoring program, and program supervisor Aminatu Issaka thanked the mentors with commemorative plaques that will be sent to each health professional student mentor. Mentoring groups were given a few minutes in breakout rooms to say any final goodbyes.
The event ended with final remarks by all staff and students who wished to speak. All students were provided a digital Certificate of Completion as well as a Certificate of Virtual Clinical Hours to signify their hours spent in the Virtual Clinical Immersion through Body Interact™ sessions.
An important point brought up again and again during the program is our slogan - “Once HCOP, Always HCOP!” Meaning, of course, that students are always encouraged and welcome to stay in contact with HCOP going forward, and that the HCOP team is always there for future support. While the end of the program was bittersweet, we know that it’s not goodbye, but simply “see you soon!”