August 25, 2000

Solangel Vargas is no stranger to the MGH. A patient of Joseph Vacanti, MD, of MGH Pediatric Surgery, Vargas is awaiting a liver transplant to cure him of biliary atresia. But this summer, the MGH also became his employer. Vargas, an incoming 10th grader at Boston English High School, spent his summer working with the MGH Police and Security Department as a SummerWorks intern.

The MGH Community Benefit SummerWorks program invites students from the James P. Timilty Middle School and its alumni from Boston high schools to participate in paid internships around the hospital. This summer the MGH hired 12 students who worked in departments ranging from the Photo Lab to Radiology.

"Solangel has become a real member of our team," says David Marquez, a Police and Security officer and Vargas' supervisor. "When he first started he was shy, but now he seems more confident. He has gone way beyond what the average 15 year old might be expected to do."

Vargas says he has enjoyed learning about what it takes to become a police officer at the MGH. "I've had the chance to help monitor some of the high-security areas, such as the gift shop, and I have watched and learned how officers handle difficult situations. I know that I need to keep doing my schoolwork to become an officer, but I feel I am a step ahead of others my age after participating in this program," he says.

Vargas is scheduled to undergo surgery to receive a donated portion of his mother's liver in January. "I've tried not to let my illness slow me down," he says.

Marquez adds: "It is gratifying to feel that I have helped change someone's life through this mentoring relationship. Someone did this for me when I was a kid, and this is my chance to give back. All the guys from this team will be there when he has his operation."

For more information about the SummerWorks program or to learn how to become an MGH/Timilty Partnership science fair mentor this fall, call 724-3210, send e-mail to timilty@partners.org or visit http://timilty.boston.k12.ma.us/mgh/SCvolunteers.htm. The partnership provides mentor orientation, training and all the resources necessary to get participants started. Mentors meet with students at the MGH on scheduled Friday mornings, twice per month, from October to January.