My first time needing to get surgery is daunting enough as is, but without any family in state, I feel more alone than ever. Navigating hospitals and appointments alone while having a fear of needles, medical centers, and being put under is an emotional time for me. The second I walked into the Centennial Pre Admission center I already felt calm. I wish I could nominate every single person I interacted with, from billing to check-in, to the hospitalist I saw, and everyone in between. The part I was most afraid of was the blood draw. I have a history of pretty severe syncope episodes and was afraid it would happen again. But my nurse Matt couldn't have been any more perfect for the job! For me, the best way to break the anxiety is through humor. He came in singing and joking with me, which instantly put me at ease. You can tell that Matt truly loves his job. This interaction may seem small and unimportant, but when I was going through one of the scariest experiences of my life, it made all the difference.