Ranch Reflections are articles written by LRHS students and staff who want to share their experiences, thoughts, and concerns. This is a great opportunity for Mustangs to branch out beyond traditional news stories.  This edition features one student’s thoughts on her first blood donation.

Olivia Ryan – Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – Last Thursday, LRHS hosted a Blood Drive.

I was one of many to sign up to donate.

This was the first time I had donated blood, and there are a few things I would do differently for next time.

Before donating blood, I recommend a nutritious breakfast and hydrating throughout the day and the night before.

I made the mistake of not doing this and was sick for two days.

While I would do the donation again, I’d make sure I was better prepared for the time it takes.

The donation itself only took around ten minutes, but the process beforehand was complex.

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I had to eat and drink, answer 30 or so questions, get my blood pressure taken, and get my finger pricked (to check iron levels). All of this was done to make sure I was eligible to donate.

Mustangs who have donated three times will receive a red cord on graduation day.

I would recommend donating because it helps people who need blood transfusions.