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11/17/16
At the end of Week 10, I was in awe about how quick the term seemed to fly by. It was extraordinary to have experienced so much and learn more about a diverse range of topics in, what felt like, such a short about of time. From course discussions, guest speakers, video conferences, health workshops, and our group retreat, my attitude towards the trip has certainly altered. In some aspects, I am even more excited for our CCESP trip to Nicaragua. After never traveling outside the United States in my teenage years, it will truly be an experience like no other. I will soon be able to immerse myself in a new culture, a new lifestyle, new traditions, and hear the life stories of many amazing people. On top of that, I will soon be able to use my newfound Spanish knowledge and apply in the world towards facilitating patient consults in the Hormiguero clinic.
More importantly, the context to what I have viewed the situation has changed. I mean this in the sense of respect and awareness of one’s actions. After learning about how tourism sometimes does more harm than good in some situations, I have a stronger sense of responsibility when going to Nicaragua. For instance, for many Nicaraguans in Siuna and Hormiguero, their representation of who Americans are (their values, character, intentions) might completely based off of service groups like us that “pass through”. Although I am confident in my ability to work my hardest toward’s achieving the goal of our group, I understand more than ever that good intentions do not necessarily translate to good outcomes. After readings about oral history and effects of developed countries providing aid to developing countries, it is apparent that having respect and having an open mind is crucial for cross-communication between different cultures to be successful.
As happy as I am to soon help out at the MINSA clinic, I understand that we are not providing the most sustainable solution for the region. However, instead of focusing the negative of the situation, I understand that we are still providing more good than harm. With the resources that the Community Health team will offer, we can help improve the day-to-day lives to many Nicaraguans in the rural region. From basic over-the-counter medications, eye glasses, and fluoride treatment, we can offer a more comfortable and healthier situation during our relatively short stay in the region.
Additionally, after working on my alcohol project with Michael, I look forward to moving to the next step in our plans. This is to actually see how prevalent alcohol consumption is in Hormiguero. With so little research being done on this region of Nicaragua, we are having trouble believing our findings. Instead of making assumptions based off of some numbers we found, it will be a worthwhile experience getting to know more of the locals and listen, first hand, to what they have to say on the issue.
That being said, the trip is soon. In a few weeks, after months of exposure to relevant information, I will finally be in Nicaragua. I say this not in a cathartic manner but in a long-term one. I do not want this experience to be my last one in the field. LACS20 and learning more about programs like Bridges to Community and the Fabretto Foundation, I am much more interested in potentially working in programs with similar passions on helping underserved populations and providing sustainable solutions for those individuals. For now, I will absorb as much of the experience as I can. I know it will be something like no other for me. However, afterwards, I aspire to carry the momentum and use my recent experiences to serve as a stepping stone to one-day help more people, patients, and families directly.