The Buddies Just for Kids program, run by Yale medical students, has been one of the many rewarding aspects of my Yale experience. The program matches Yale students with chronically ill children for friendship and emotional support. Through the program I've been able to partake in the lives of three siblings who are victims of the ravaging effects of AIDS on families. One of them is HIV infected (as are both parents) and has cancer. I serve as friend, tutor, and translator for the family, which hails from my native Haiti. Through this interaction I have strengthened my ties with members of the New Haven community and continue to learn why I'm here at the Yale University School of Medicine.
Darlene Gabeau,Wellsley College, YSM '02

Links to student community service programs:

• HPREP
• STATS
• ASAP
• COVS