Maria Guzman

Tackling Any Challenge

April 2010

Volunteering Since 2008

Being the largest free clinic in the Pacific North West allows for individuals from many walks of life to get involved as a volunteer. With each clinic depending upon our mufti-faceted 100 percent  volunteer team for support, the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington (FCSW) is lucky to have such a collection of wonderful participants. Radiating in her own way amongst this amazing team, our Volunteer Spotlight currently shines on Maria Pedro-Guzman.

As a two-time Presidential Service Award achiever, it is easy to see her dedication to community service. Dig deeper, however, and you will find the spirit of a great volunteer.

It was through the suggestion of her mother that Maria Pedro-Guzman began volunteering with the FCSW over two years ago. Coming out of a rough patch she was ready to try something new that would keep her busy and productive. Looking back on it now, Maria is very thankful for this encouragement from her mother. Turning frustrations into a positive output made her think about others in a way she not before. Maria loved being a part of something larger and wanted to see where her community outreach might take her. Starting as a bilingual clinic assistant, she enjoyed performing tasks both in and out of the exam room. Soon enough she had been trained for several different aspects of the FCSW; a true jack-of-all-trades!

Volunteering with the FCSW has helped Maria build technical skills that will be useful for her future. Not being a particularly shy person herself, Maria loves working with a team of volunteers because of all the different ideas and personalities she encounters. She looks forward to her volunteer shifts where she can learn from others experiences and participate in as many FCSW events as she can! She loves to see how a team of unique people works together for a common good. It is easy to see that Maria truly appreciates her fellow volunteers for the distinct characteristics that each brings to the Clinic.

Her role as front office clerk with several different FCSW programs has also introduced Maria to her love of numbers and organization. She enjoys helping to create a smooth and frustration-free visit to the FCSW for someone who may be coming in during a rough time. Keeping charts and data in order while remaining upbeat and efficient has helped Maria blossom. When a job needs to be done she is able to step up and help. Her role as clerk, interpreter, and over-all clinic assistant has helped Maria prepare for her current internship with the U.S. Geological Survey. Here she demonstrates her ability to multitask a fun atmosphere with her administrative flair of keeping an office running smoothly. There was a time when a responsibility like this would have seemed impossible, but Maria’s confidence from her volunteer work gives reassurance of a productive, happy future.

Maria truly embodies the essence of a good-hearted volunteer. Her consistent volunteer contribution and desire to tackle challenges has helped push her to become a student. Soon to enroll as a college freshman, her aspiration to succeed is limitless. Maria takes pride in being part of our 100 percent volunteer-driven Free Clinic of Southwest Washington as she continues to learn and navigate through life. With her heart in the right place as a young individual looking to give back to their community, Maria would not have it any other way.