Pictured: l-r - Mary O'Connor and Rebecca Feeley, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, with summer intern Milordjie C. and Kelly Romanoff, Barancik Foundation. Photo provided.

Integrity. It’s such a common word, yet it’s rarely practiced or even recognized. The dictionary defines integrity as adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. Put simply, integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching, and that is a principle that has guided me in my journey, starting with my experience at the Boys & Girls Clubs.

I’ve been a part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties since my sophomore year of high school. Through the organization, I’ve been given countless opportunities that have shaped who I am. Along the way, our achievements were celebrated by many community members and generous donors. At the fundraising dinners and events, you never really knew who was in the audience, but you could always feel the encouragement, belief, and support from everyone there.

One celebration, in particular, stands out in my memory. It was both a surprise and a groundbreaking moment in my life. I remember not really wanting to attend that day, but I went anyway. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful that I did.

Throughout the event, I spoke with incredible people who were genuinely interested in my story, my goals, and the path I hoped to take in life. What I didn’t realize at the time was that, at another table, John Annis was speaking with Suriya Khong of the Boys & Girls Clubs about me.

As I was explaining to a group of people that I was considering attending Duquesne University “if I got the Gussin Scholarship,” John overheard the conversation. (Drs. Robert and Patricia Gussin generously fund a four-year scholarship to Duquesne that is awarded annually to local Boys & Girls Clubs members.) Curious, John asked Ms. Suriya how he could help. She simply told him not to worry about it—“wink, wink.”

I had no idea John already knew about me before that conversation. At the time, I didn’t even know who he was. Looking back, it’s amazing to realize that while I thought I was attending another event, people were quietly working behind the scenes to support my future.

Later at that event, I was called to the front of the room, and in my confusion I walked up. In a few moments, I was handed an envelope and looked up at Ms. Suriya, who gave me a reassuring smile. My mind started turning, and it hit me. I started thanking the Lord before I even opened the envelope. Inside it said: “Congratulations, Milordjie, you have been awarded the Gussin Scholarship.” I could not believe it. I looked up at the blurry figures in front of me, all looking just as shocked but also full of joy for me.

A while after that evening, I received a text from Ms. Suriya asking if I was interested in a summer internship at the Barancik Foundation. Although I’d never heard of the organization or anyone involved, I was all for it, and that’s where I officially met John. John knew me, but I didn’t know him until now. He told me about all the times he had seen me and heard about me, and I couldn’t help but think about how I might have been acting in those small, unnoticed encounters. For all I know, he could have chosen not to hire me if he saw something distasteful in my character.

Now I have the pleasure of saying I was an intern for the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, and it was one of the best things that happened to me. During my time, I had the amazing opportunity to visit various medical sites and other organizations in our community, such as MCR Health, Pines of Sarasota, Margie’s Market by All Faiths Food Bank, Forty Carrots Family Center, and many more! Through those site visits, I was fortunate to learn more about the health-care field and receive advice for my future endeavors. It was eye-opening to learn how broad nursing really is, and amazing to hear all the different stories from nurses who offered their advice and support. I was also able to help shape the foundation’s internship program for the next interns who follow me.

One of my most memorable visits was to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. I first had the mindset that I might not want to work in a hospital due to the rush, but the SMH visit completely surprised me. Now I can't see myself not working there in the future. During my visit, I was taken into the OR, the research lab, and the NICU. That day, I learned so many things I had never known before; I also saw the vast opportunities and choices embedded in nursing.

I understand now that it was because I took an interest in my community, starting with the Boys & Girls Clubs, that my community saw me and invested in my future. I believe opportunities like these are not given to just anyone; I believe they are earned through good character and commitment. They are presented because people are paying attention, recognizing not only your potential, but also your intentions, work ethic, and the support you need to succeed.

John Annis saw those qualities in me. He took the time to observe me, even though I didn’t know it, and believed I would be a great fit for the Foundation. As I researched the organization before I started, I saw that its core values of integrity, service, and stewardship resonated with my own. Now, as I start my next chapter at Duquesne University, I’m set on a great path, and I have the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Barancik Foundation team to thank for that.

Milordjie C. is a Booker High School graduate and a freshman at Duquesne University, where she is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Pictured: l-r - Mary O'Connor and Rebecca Feeley, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, with summer intern Milordjie C. and Kelly Romanoff, Barancik Foundation. Photo provided.