11/11/2025
💙 Day 11 of “30 Days of Thanks” — featuring Baran Bayraktar! 💙
Baran, an Emory University alumnus, has been volunteering with us for three years, contributing over 100 hours of service! He’s the kind of volunteer who truly does it all — from cleaning, triaging patients with compassion, to even driving fellow Emory volunteers to and from the clinic. Baran’s heart for service and love for others shines through everything he does. 🌿
When asked, “In one word, how would you describe your experience serving here, and why that word?” he replied:
“One word I would use to describe my experience serving with Bethesda is ‘strengthening’. As we provided healthcare and aid to the communities that we served while working in the mobile clinic, we did not only heal patients who came to us. We strengthened communities by building trust and working hard to get communities to come together in times of need. Not only do the patients see the benefits of this service, but I myself have also strengthened my ability to work with patients and work with colleagues to ensure the health of the communities we serve.”
Baran is currently pursuing a Master’s in Neuroscience Research at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, taking a gap year before heading to medical school to fulfill his dream of becoming a physician.
Thank you, Baran, for your unwavering dedication, kindness, and servant’s heart. We are so grateful for all the ways you strengthen our mission — and we can’t wait to serve alongside you again! 💫
