Meet Our Buddies

Lis Llanio recently graduated from the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University and will begin Family Medicine residency in San Diego this July, fulfilling her long-held dream of becoming a physician. During her time with StudentsCare, Lis served in multiple roles, growing from student volunteer to chapter vice president and later program intern. Through those experiences, she developed leadership skills, learned how to manage projects within a nonprofit setting, and built meaningful relationships that continue to impact her today. Lis reflects that StudentsCare shaped the way she approaches patient care by teaching her the importance of presence, connection, and seeing the person behind the diagnosis. One experience that especially stayed with her was supporting a patient over an extended period who later passed away, reinforcing the value of time, compassion, and intentionality in every interaction. As she begins residency, she carries forward the lessons of StudentsCare, not only as a future physician, but as someone committed to showing up for others with empathy, consistency, and care. “StudentsCare was one of those experiences that gave back far more than expected,” Lis shared, noting that many of the relationships and lessons she gained through the program have remained with her long after graduation.

Meet Ava! She’s a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a degree in biochemistry and a minor in disabilities studies.

Ava joined StudentsCare to gain valuable experience and help spread joy to pediatric patients and their families.

Lily is currently tackling her senior year at the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Healthcare Management and Chemistry.

"I believe that volunteering is so important because it enables me to connect more with my community and develop strong relationships and learn from others"

Nicole is a senior at Saint Louis University, studying Neuroscience and minoring in Health Care Ethics and Psychology. She is currently pursuing a career in medicine and hopes to one day become a pediatrician.

"StudentsCare continues to teach me how such a small offering of time can lead to the most meaningful relationships."

Kelly is a nursing student at the University of Central Florida. She joined StudentsCare three years ago and has serves as UCF Chapter President.

"I joined StudentsCare because I really loved the program's goals of helping children and families (and older adults!) get through really challenging times."

Anika is a junior at the University of Washington, where she is studying biochemistry and environmental health. She hopes to go to medical school and become a physician.

Anika was introduced to StudentsCare while she was looking for ways to give back to her community during the pandemic.

Alejandra was born in Placetas, Cuba and immigrated to Florida when she was six years old. She graduated a year early from the University of Miami with a major in Health Sciences, and minors in English, Chemistry, and Public Health.

“I think the best way to learn about yourself is through volunteering. It allows you to shift your perspective and preconceived notions, while nurturing your ability to connect with others,” says Alejandra. “You expose yourself to a diversity of experiences and in turn a diversity of thought. In a lot of ways, volunteering is self-serving. At the end of the day, you get a long-lasting sense of fulfillment while also bringing joy to another person.”

Mark Li is from Grapevine, Texas. He is a rising junior at The University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Biochemistry. He joined StudentsCare in Spring 2021. He was interested in helping around the Austin community. "StudentsCare was presented to me as a fun, engaging opportunity to start making a difference. Through time, it proved to be exactly that."