Shaneka White is a student at North Carolina Central University studying mass communications. She's spending the summer as a communications intern in the Medicine Chair's Office, part of an annual summer program that places NCCU communications students in offices across Duke University. We asked her to share her first impressions of Duke University Hospital.
Yesterday as I was gazing out of my window, looking past the downpour of water, I noticed everyone scrambling to make it to his or her destinations. When I hopped out of the car my eyes traveled to a man pacing and talking on the phone. I couldn’t help but to wonder whom he was conversing with. Could it have been an inquiring relative? Or, maybe he had taken on the brave role of delivering some sort of news and was nervous. I guess I’ll never know.
As I made my way into the hospital, initially I was shocked at how warm and inviting it was. My expectations were that it was going to be chilly just based upon my previous experiences of hospital visits. I arrived at the hospital early so I was able to sit near the Atrium Cafe and observe the hospital’s community of people. I believe I saw some of every person you can imagine. I saw doctors walking and talking to only each other as if they were discussing the cure to some sort of rare cancer; hospital services staff getting on and off the elevator; and everyone greeting each other as if they were one big happy family!
I got a chance to check out the menu in the event that I would be eating there in the future. It was not what I was expecting at all. It was extremely diverse! The pizza on the menu was not your typical pepperoni or sausage pizza. The pizza was compiled with toppings ranging from red onions to cilantro on a wheat crust. And if you were thinking about a Caesar or grilled chicken salad, forget about it! There was this eclectic salad that I learned was Tabbouleh salad. At that very moment I realized just how committed to diversity Duke really was. They promote diversity on all levels so that people are made to feel comfortable and welcome.
On my second day at Duke, it started off similar to the day before with the exception of a few minor differences. There was some light precipitation this morning and since I drove, I was able to park and cross the street like everyone else. Something that I noticed today that I am surprised I didn’t notice yesterday was the valet parking. Initially my thoughts were, “Valet Parking? At a hospital?" Now this was something I never encountered and I wondered, Who in the world would need valet parking at a hospital? Valet parking is open to anyone who might need the service, at a cost of $7 per day.
This time when I entered the hospital, things that were once foreign became more familiar to me. Although it was only my second day certain people and objects still resonate in my memory. (the rotating doors with the silver statue in the glass, the man I asked for directions sitting at his desk, the security, or valet attendant standing outside, the people working in the Atrium, the waiting area, etc.) On top of observing people in Duke’s environment, I figured that I would take observation of myself and how I was being perceived, and my interaction with others. My self-observation was not racially motivated, but it was more so an observation of my body language and cognitive skills.
I naturally come across as pleasant and innocent because I have a youthful appearance. I have learned that if you smile with your head turned upward and always make eye contact, people will perceive you to be friendly. This is helpful for me, provided that when you make eye contact it is better to glance from top to bottom rather than bottom to top. (face to feet vs. feet to face) It tends to exude attitude or make them think that something is wrong with their outfit or shoes.
Lastly, while I was casually walking at a normal slow pace I began to hear quick footsteps rushing behind me at a steady pace. It reminded me of my experiences while walking the streets in New York; so naturally startled, I whipped around only to see a faculty member obviously in a hurry to go wherever it was that she needed to be. After I relaxed a little, I told myself, Girl you’re going to have to walk a bit faster or you’re going to get trampled!
Yesterday as I was gazing out of my window, looking past the downpour of water, I noticed everyone scrambling to make it to his or her destinations. When I hopped out of the car my eyes traveled to a man pacing and talking on the phone. I couldn’t help but to wonder whom he was conversing with. Could it have been an inquiring relative? Or, maybe he had taken on the brave role of delivering some sort of news and was nervous. I guess I’ll never know.
As I made my way into the hospital, initially I was shocked at how warm and inviting it was. My expectations were that it was going to be chilly just based upon my previous experiences of hospital visits. I arrived at the hospital early so I was able to sit near the Atrium Cafe and observe the hospital’s community of people. I believe I saw some of every person you can imagine. I saw doctors walking and talking to only each other as if they were discussing the cure to some sort of rare cancer; hospital services staff getting on and off the elevator; and everyone greeting each other as if they were one big happy family!
I got a chance to check out the menu in the event that I would be eating there in the future. It was not what I was expecting at all. It was extremely diverse! The pizza on the menu was not your typical pepperoni or sausage pizza. The pizza was compiled with toppings ranging from red onions to cilantro on a wheat crust. And if you were thinking about a Caesar or grilled chicken salad, forget about it! There was this eclectic salad that I learned was Tabbouleh salad. At that very moment I realized just how committed to diversity Duke really was. They promote diversity on all levels so that people are made to feel comfortable and welcome.
On my second day at Duke, it started off similar to the day before with the exception of a few minor differences. There was some light precipitation this morning and since I drove, I was able to park and cross the street like everyone else. Something that I noticed today that I am surprised I didn’t notice yesterday was the valet parking. Initially my thoughts were, “Valet Parking? At a hospital?" Now this was something I never encountered and I wondered, Who in the world would need valet parking at a hospital? Valet parking is open to anyone who might need the service, at a cost of $7 per day.
This time when I entered the hospital, things that were once foreign became more familiar to me. Although it was only my second day certain people and objects still resonate in my memory. (the rotating doors with the silver statue in the glass, the man I asked for directions sitting at his desk, the security, or valet attendant standing outside, the people working in the Atrium, the waiting area, etc.) On top of observing people in Duke’s environment, I figured that I would take observation of myself and how I was being perceived, and my interaction with others. My self-observation was not racially motivated, but it was more so an observation of my body language and cognitive skills.
I naturally come across as pleasant and innocent because I have a youthful appearance. I have learned that if you smile with your head turned upward and always make eye contact, people will perceive you to be friendly. This is helpful for me, provided that when you make eye contact it is better to glance from top to bottom rather than bottom to top. (face to feet vs. feet to face) It tends to exude attitude or make them think that something is wrong with their outfit or shoes.
Lastly, while I was casually walking at a normal slow pace I began to hear quick footsteps rushing behind me at a steady pace. It reminded me of my experiences while walking the streets in New York; so naturally startled, I whipped around only to see a faculty member obviously in a hurry to go wherever it was that she needed to be. After I relaxed a little, I told myself, Girl you’re going to have to walk a bit faster or you’re going to get trampled!