Experience Abroad

I have been fortunate enough to travel abroad and learn from these experiences. 

Dominican Republic

Winter Break 2010 I had the privilege of working in an orphanage in Monte Critsti, Dominican Republic while also learning a lot of who I want to be and what I want to do with my life. The entire two weeks I spent there was full of experiences that tested my boundaries both as a student and as a traveler. During the weeks we taught classes in local schools on basic health and English in the morning. Then in the afternoon we would run camps to endorse things taught in the classroom From working with the kids I learned so much about patience and flexibility because with kids you can have the best lesson plan ever, but one kid acts out and your whole class is turned upside down! It was my job to regain control of the class using what little Spanish I knew in order to make sure they learned what was planned for the day. During our “free time” we were being carted all over Monte Cristi to local landmarks and natural wonders and learning all about the rich culture that the Dominican offers the world.  We walked as much as possible because walking down the street we would just run into kids and stop and play with them for a while because that’s what their culture is all about. It’s all about the “right now” and not worrying about tomorrow because for a lot of them tomorrow is so uncertain. The Dominican has inspired a want to continue my exploits in health promotion across the world. Where I used to only have the option of being a doctor, the new door has opened for the possibility of research in global health promotion because I could see first hand what an impact you can make in a kid’s life by supplying a toothbrush and showing them how to use it or making a bracelet with them to help the remember to wash their hands. Over all, the relationships I have with these kids will live forever because all my future work, whatever that may be, will be a result of all they taught me about the world and about myself.

Ecuador

My Experience last Winter Break in Ecuador can be described in just two words, Life Changing. I spent a week living with a family who knew absolutely no English. This led me to learn the importance of non verbal communication because that is the communication that I would have to use. Along the way I picked up a lot of Spanish which was awesome and will be a tool in my future endeavors. The whole point of the trip was to help this family begin their new business as owners of an eco lodge. This has   I also learned how to better work with people. We built a stiarcase out of bamboo, a roof out of tree leaves, and cleared trails for future guest so that this new business they have started can thrive. We learned a lot about another country as well, Canada. Becca, a Canadian on her gap year, was our new friend that taught us a lot about the culture of Ecuador while also acting as a buffer between me and Lauren (two type A personalities). All in all, This trip taught me a lot about who I am and helped me in deciding that health science was the best option for me to major in. This trip was such a great experience.