The Benefits of a Supportive Learning Environment

At ten years old, Payton Ebow felt an immense responsibility to help other people achieve their goals and to understand other people’s intentions. “My parents always challenged me to take different perspectives. I would always put myself in other people’s shoes and [try to] understand why they would do the things they do.” Payton’s innate sense of responsibility paired with his empathy has made him excel as a COPE Health Scholar on the patient care floor at Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital (MLKCH). “When helping each individual patient, I am aware that they each have a story and reason why they are in the emergency department (ED).”

As a brand new scholar, the patient care floor can be intimidating and even the simplest tasks can be daunting. Something as simple as restocking the vital signs machine can become scary when you are in the ED. With that in mind, Payton has gone out of his way to help support and mentor newer scholars just starting at MLKCH. As one scholar states, “Payton was so helpful my first day. He showed me what he had been doing in the emergency department and introduced me to the staff members he was working with.” This is just one of many instances in which Payton has helped new Health Scholars increase their comfort level on the patient care floor and build confidence as a new member of the patient care team. Payton has also had a lasting impression on the hospital staff. “Payton is great, he is so helpful and always comes to his shift with an open mind”, an ED nurse explained.

Payton’s personal experiences helped him to develop such a positive and helpful attitude towards others. He recalls a time in his life when he was struggling with school. He realized, “I had to completely change my lifestyle” if I wanted to continue with school. He goes on to explain that his mother was the positive support system that he needed in his life to succeed. “The one thing that kept me going was having a supportive mom. There was a point where I felt I could not read, it was all just so overwhelming. Having my mom listen and support me, that was what kept me going and allowed me to get myself out of the hole”. Because of this personal experience, Payton likes to make everyone he encounters feel supported in the same manner. “Helping others impacts the environment in a positive way. It allows those around you to feel safe and comfortable”. And this is exactly what Payton does for the COPE Health Scholars programs at MLKCH. He is there to support, uplift and create a positive learning environment for his peers.