From Cultural Exploration to Community Impact: How My Time in Kenya Transformed My Passion for Healthcare and Service

Coming into the program, I did not expect to explore Mombasa and parts of Kenya with the program. These cultural treks and first-day tours of the country made me feel safer and allowed me to maximize my time in Kenya afterward. Additionally, the staff was excellent. I always felt supported and cared for in all aspects, whether it was getting picked up from the hospital with stomach issues or getting asked how my day went after time in the hospital. I can not thank the amazing staff enough for all they do for the interns and the program details. The kitchen staff was excellent with food restrictions and recommendations throughout the entire month I was there. One of the most impactful elements of the program was the community outreach. The hygiene clinic and female reproductive clinic allow us to target specific stigmas and gaps in knowledge that children in Mombasa hold. The free clinic allows us to provide more one-on-one support to communities that cannot access and afford healthcare. These outreach programs have propelled my desire and love for helping others in underserved communities. The internship in Kenya has impacted me personally in ways I could not have imagined. It has deepened my love for healthcare and has motivated me to travel abroad after finishing graduate school to help others where it is most needed. Thank you.