Many health professionals are taught that good care requires separating themselves from their emotions. But while interning at AHC’s medical social work unit, Nisai learned that her emotions aren’t a weakness to be shoved away. In fact, they’re her strength.
“When parents cry to me, scared for their children, I can’t hold back my tears. I’m human, and I get emotional, regardless of what position I’m in.”
While our doctors and medical staff spend their days tending to children’s physical wounds, Nisai and the medical social work team tend to their emotional ones — through assessments, consultations, play therapy and more.
This work isn’t easy. In just three months at AHC, Nisai saw a lot of the pain and heartbreak that so many children and families in the hospital suffer from.
“One of the most impactful experiences for me was getting to know a child with cancer. I was there from the beginning, listening and playing with her until she finally left this world. She’s gone, but her memory stays with me.”
Nisai doesn’t consider herself the same person she was three months ago — she can’t. With all that she’s experienced, she’s learned so much and grown in ways she never expected to.
“This internship’s been beyond my expectations. I’ve learned to empathise and communicate in ways I never knew before. I’m more aware of my social cues, body language and behaviours around children and families. I’ve learned to speak their language and understand where they’re coming from if I want to support them and change their perspectives.”
While Nisai’s three-month internship wrapped up in May, she’s taking so many lessons with her into her future as a social worker. And if Nisai could describe her time at AHC in one word? It would be strength.
“AHC taught me that I’m strong because I listen. I’m strong because I don’t turn away from hardship. I’m strong because I give families all the support they need. Every child and family deserves that. And I can’t wait to continue being an agent of change for children in Cambodia.”