Great Stories
Montana Campus Corps:
College Students Meeting Critical Community Needs
Gin Rummy by Jill Humphries

While there have been many memorable moments in nursing school and my Americorps Service, the one that brings the biggest smile to my face occurred during my psychiatric rotation senior year. I was at a mental health crisis center and met a young man who was severely depressed and having suicidal thoughts. Although I did not know exactly what to say to him, or how to help him, we just talked for a while about his situation and problems. After I had established his trust we were able to look at parts of his life that he felt he was in control of, and that he could potentially change. We reached a satisfactory point in the conversation, and I noticed a deck of cards on the table. I suggested we play Gin Rummy, and then proceeded to teach him how to play. In a matter of minutes he transformed from a depressed, sullen individual to a smiling, laughing, and victorious person. He heckled me about my poor memory and was obviously enjoying himself, as was I. This is just one example of how little things can completely change a person’s outlook on life.


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