As the only teen volunteer in Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, I quickly fell in love with the babies, the work, and the team. After my first day, I felt I had found my calling. I may be cleaning supply closets, updating computer files, or monitoring security doors, but I always feel a sense of purpose. My efforts make a difference for the nurses, who in turn make a huge impact on our patients' lives. We work together as a respectful, collaborative team. I learn every day. Through the NICU, I’ve discovered that my hometown is actually a major city with significant health issues. The problems our community faces can be reflected in our babies. My first days exposed me to patients with extraordinary stories. I met infants addicted to fentanyl, diseased with botulism or syphilis, or those born extremely early, needing help to breathe. I feel driven to comfort them and make them well. It’s made me keenly aware of vulnerability. There are far more dangers in the world than we realize, but many can be avoided through improvements in advocacy and education. I hope to one day be an excellent nurse and care for babies with the same deep sensitivity and heart as my mentors in the Providence Saint Joseph’s NICU.