blood all around you (just kidding, it smelled like grape jelly), the environment couldn’t have been better. 

 

Everyone was nice and thankfully no one passed out. It was great seeing everyone willing to help cure others. Key club members provided cute buttons saying “I donated,” and guided kids throughout the whole process.

 

Clark’s blood drive is an annual event and it only seems to get better as the years go on. Many of the blood donors had attended the event in the previous year.

 

According to Margaret Tabor, a supervisor, it was an excellent turnout.

 

Needles are probably the main reason why some of the other students didn’t donate their blood and I don’t blame them. But, it’s actually not that bad- you know, unless you have a needle phobia. Your fears eventually turned into relief by the time you sat down and relaxed.

 

“People said it was going to be really scary but it wasn’t that bad. The needle was the scariest but it was survivable,” Alex Hathy said.

 

Some of the kids actually enjoyed the experience. Any place with free food, Ariana Grande music, and a chance to give back is pretty cool.

 

According to seniors Jose Sahagun and Jovanni Sepulveda it was quick, painful, but fun.

 

Others found the experience nerve racking. You have to admit, sitting in a chair waiting for a pint of your blood to be extracted can be intense, but the nurses were always there to assure you that it would be okay. For some, words of encouragement just isn’t enough.

 

“I’m so nervous, I want to run,” said Yevette Vasquez.

 

Of course none of this could have been possible without the nurses, volunteers, and the United Blood Services. They helped set up and they also gave students an opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life.

 

“Taking blood from the kids is very rewarding because they want to help a life, give life, and care for others,” said one nurse.

 

Thank you to everyone who donated!