Simple gifts: M3 student government granting classmate wishes this holiday season
The Class of 2025’s new holiday initiative demonstrates how even the smallest gifts can have the greatest impacts for med students.
The Class of 2025's Medical Student Government hopes to continue this initiative next year by granting even more wishes (Illustration by Uri Hamman, VCU School of Medicine)
Members of the M3's Medical Student Government (MSG) have come together to help bring their classmates a bit of holiday cheer to the close of the fall 2023 semester. At its core, M3 Kevin Babu said, the Make-a-Wish initiative is about letting their classmates know that they are seen and valued. As a peer advocate, Babu works with fellow MSG representatives to develop and lead mental health and wellness initiatives for the Class of 2025.
“I think, a lot of the time, medical school can feel thankless,” Babu said. “You’re constantly striving to impress people, studying for exams and oftentimes you don’t get to see the impact you’re having. On top of that, it’s a very isolating time.”
Inspired by a similar program from his high school, Babu helped organize a Google form for his classmates to submit wishes. The M3 MSG received over 20 responses, which Babu considered a success, given the “form fatigue” experienced by all medical students and especially the M3s. The wishes were understood to be modest price – roughly $10 – and feasible enough for the MSG members to accomplish.
“We’ve had a lot of Starbucks related wishes,” Babu said. “Which is no surprise there since we’re all running on caffeine.”
Vikram Seshadri was one of those Starbucks wish recipients. Seshadri echoed Babu’s comments, noting that third year has already been “taxing.”
“These types of initiatives are awesome at helping to build resolve,” Seshadri said. "A mocha Frappuccino was exactly what I needed to help brighten my day.”
Christia Aspili said she had been so busy this year that replacing her damaged laptop charging cable became one of those things that she kept forgetting about. She used this opportunity to wish for a brand new one.
“A lot of us third year students are exhausted at this point of our training,” Aspili said. “Getting a gift like this really helps to spark joy and feel cared for by our peers.”
Other wishes included a visit from the Dogs on Call therapy dog program, several food-related wishes from the food carts scattered throughout the MCV campus — plus at least one evening Taco Bell run — and some wishes on behalf of their classmates. One student wished to deliver a classmate one of their homemade pastries.
Another M3 that received a wish is Rebecca Moncayo, who was gifted lunch from one of her favorite local food carts, the Caribbean Grill. Moncayo said she is grateful to have classmates that come up with creative ways to spread cheer.
“These kinds of initiatives give back to our class and make VCU feel like a community that cares,” Moncayo said.
Caring for your classmates
With many students far from home and their established support networks, especially around the holidays, Babu wanted to help his classmates by being “a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen to and a safe space for my classmates to approach if they have any questions or concerns.” Being a peer advocate in MSG has afforded him the opportunity to do just that.
“As physicians, one of the most important things we can work on is our listening skills,” Babu said. “A lot of the time, patients will tell you their diagnosis if you just take the time to really listen. I consider myself a good listener and being a peer advocate has only helped me improve that skill.”
In addition to the Make a Wish initiative, the M3 MSG has also established the Kindness Gram, which invites students to submit a brief message through a Google form to brighten someone’s day, like complimenting a classmate or commending a recent accomplishment.
“It’s not a big gesture,” Babu said. “But the impact is great.”
Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the VCU School of Medicine, encourages these student-led initiatives.
"Big or small, these sorts of gestures can reverberate throughout an entire class,” Saavedra said. “And recognizing them and all their hard work are important steps toward being a compassionate and caring physician. I’m proud of our medical students who have taken it upon themselves to care for one another as they begin caring for the greater Richmond community.”
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The School of Medicine communications team is always looking to highlight student success, faculty achievement, cutting-edge research and innovative initiatives around the MCV Campus. If you have an idea for a story, please submit your pitch to laura.ingles@vcuhealth.org.