The typically silent Friday night foyer of Butler-Haney Hall echoed with cheers, whistles, claps and howls of laughter on November 30. Just steps away, in a space dominated by complex lectures and stressful tests, Student Doctor Jem Ostrea’s fingertips left the strings of her guitar, and the audience gathered for PNWU’s student-led talent show erupted in applause, having seen another colleague in yet another new light. As a first-year student at PNWU, it was a rare opportunity for Student Doctor Ostrea to showcase a different side of herself.
“My favorite moment was the loud clapping and cheering of our schoolmates after every performance,” exclaimed Ostrea. “Whether it was storytelling, playing instruments, singing or reading a poem, they were enthusiastic, attentive and responsive.” As she and her PNWU peers continue tackling their busy schedules, she was thankful for the opportunity to entertain and be entertained.
“It was great to see my fellow classmates in a different light,” said James Orie Katsilometes, MPH, OMS II. “I keep reflecting on how great it was to see the range of different talents everyone has.”
From magic tricks and shoe tying to professional clapping, poetry, short stories, origami, painting, singing, dancing, harmonica solos and even rapping (thanks to Dr. Jeff Novack’s original rap about his fascination with chocolate), the show was a smashing success – despite the countless challenges associated with organizing it amidst hectic medical school schedules.
“We decided it was going to happen, and everyone — busy as they were — came through with energy and passion to make it as great as it was,” explained Ana Caudillo, MS, OMS II. Student Doctor Caudillo began planning the talent show after hearing rave reviews about last year’s show. As the date of the show approached, however, only a few people had signed up. Quickly, Caudillo met with her fellow Student Government Association (SGA) members and, together, they helped to quadruple the turnout. “I have found that at PNWU, when you try and ask for help from others, they come through ten-fold,” she exclaimed.
“I do not think I have ever seen such a supportive and loving crowd,” Caudillo continued. “And the crowd was made up of mostly students who, I know for a fact, have very limited free time on their hands and unimaginable stress! It sincerely was my favorite night at PWNU, and I am excited and proud to see this crowd out empowering change in the medical field!”