On Driving and Selflessness

Life lessons sometimes come from unexpected places. So far, most of my service at The Sulzbacher Medical Clinic has been on a computer, involving minimal interaction with the patients that I assist in getting medication through our pharmaceutical assistance plans. Being alone at times makes me feel like I’m missing out on something. When I tune into the pharmacy technicians handing out and explaining medications, I have an urge to do the same and help someone who can express their thankfulness directly to me. However, I feel petty expressing my need for gratitude from the homeless population I serve. Although I may seem sedentary at my desk, my mind is often mulling over what I want out of my service term. To me, learning how to express selflessness at its core is most appealing. 

My expression of selflessness is tested almost daily during my commute to and from my host site. Upon arriving in Jacksonville, I noticed different driving norms from where I’m from in Ohio. It was alarming to see how urgently people needed to get to their destination. Drivers showed little regard for me when I needed to change lanes; once, I had to let 15 cars pass before stumbling upon someone who could use the brake function on their car to let me squeeze into their lane. Growing impatient, I also began to drive selfishly and it helped get me to my destination approximately four seconds faster. It wasn’t until I was the receiver of multiple acts of kindness on the road that I reverted back to my Ohioan ways. There, alas, existed people that promoted easy and safe driving for the general public—people that cared!

I often look at my driving experience in Jacksonville as a reminder for how selflessness comes from within. Those caring drivers I encountered were people I would probably never meet and get to thank, but they still tried to make a positive difference in their community. Being separated from the patients that I help can be seen in a similar light. As a result of my experiences on the road, I try to serve at The Sulzbacher Medical Clinic independent of whether I will be recognized or thanked. Slowly, I am bettering my ability to express selflessness, ridding my ego, and looking at the nobler idea behind the purpose of my work: to make a positive impact for those in need.

This blog post was written by NHC Florida member Amir Dada.

Amir serves at Sulzbacher Medical Center as a Patient Navigator.