After a busy beginning to the spring semester, I was more than ready for spring break. However, instead of joining my fellow students relaxing in Myrtle Beach, I opted instead to participate in Alternative Spring Break (ASB) in the Dominican Republic.
Though I am an international politics major, I was placed into the pre-med group because of my Spanish-speaking skills. I had begun preparing for the program in October, by attending monthly meetings and fundraising activities. In February the entire group (about 18 students) was required to work at a medical clinic in Cary, in order to gain experience for our upcoming trip.
When we arrived in the Dominican, I was shocked by the poverty of this developing country. As part of our work we performed health screenings in rural villages. We were also required to create and teach hour-long health lessons to third through eighth graders.
As the designated translator for my group, the responsibility of communicating with teachers and students fell mostly to me. It was challenging work, but I was pleased to know that I was enabling others to share in the same opportunities that I’ve had.
My experiences visiting local hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and rural villages truly gave me a new perspective on my own life.
Courtesy: NC State
