You never realize how truly blessed you are until you experience firsthand what genuine hardship is. Growing up in the US, we take for granted so many blessings that have been afforded to us: a leading health system, abundant potable water, clean streets, a strong public education system, low rates of disease, and much more. So many of us, including me, never stop to realize how different our lives could be if we were born in a different place or at a different time.
This summer, I was given the opportunity to represent Wabash College’s Global Health Initiative (GHI) in Perú. The internship covered a host of topics and interests, each tailored to the wants and needs of the specific student. For me, I was able to experience, learn from, and serve in local schools, universities, and health clinics around the country. I visited local research laboratories and learned from leading researchers who’ve dedicated their careers to stopping the spread of diseases such as Dengue and Malaria. Additionally, I worked alongside local students and public health professionals who ran schools that taught important health safety practices such as boiling water to avoid disease to underrepresented children and their families. I also spent time with local medical professionals to learn about many of the common illnesses and public health inequalities that many of their patients faced while also providing insight into our health systems and society, helping to foster relationships and mutual understanding between our nations. Each of these experiences helped me to form not only a better understanding of the Peruvian health system, but also a love and admiration for the great work done by the GHI and the professionals who partner with it. These great leaders have inspired meto pursue medicine to follow in their footsteps.
I would like to give a special thank you to all of those who made this opportunity possible for me: Dr. Eric Wetzel, Beto Ad Astra, Jill Rogers, Milagros Ramos, all the GHI staff and volunteers, the Bill Cook Foundation, and all those who donated to help make this program a reality. I am forever thankful for your kindness and graciousness, and am inspired by your love for the Global Health Initiative and Wabash College. Thank you!
