From the NICU to the Emergency Room: A Hands-On Experience That Deepened My Purpose to Help Others
This experience was truly life-changing and I can not speak highly enough of it. In Mombasa, I received all the support that I needed. Before my internship, I did a toy drive and brought hundreds of toys with me. The IMA staff were very helpful for this whole process. They took time out of their busy days to lay out all of the toys, giving me suggestions to where my donations would be the most impactful. Ultimately, they let me have the final say. They also helped me distribute the toys, bringing the duffle bag to the hospital for me to give out. They donated the toys that I couldn’t personally deliver to the places of my choosing.I felt very safe the entire time. The residence and surrounding area was very safe; I never had any issue. People would smile and greet me as I walked by. Everyone in Mombasa was very friendly towards me. The accommodations were wonderful. The residence was beautiful and the dormitories were pleasant. After hospital shifts, other interns and I would hang out in the common rooms, laughing on the couches or playing games at the dinner table. The IMA staff were all amazing and I am so grateful for their unmatched hospitality. I loved the food at the residence; every meal was delicious. The highlight was the dinner on my last Friday night. The wonderful IMA staff prepared dinner for us outside by the pool. For many of us, that was our last night. The IMA staff made sure we left on a high note as we enjoyed one last meal together.
Even though I am only a high school student, I still believe that I was able to make a positive impact on the community. Since I am not qualified to practice, my impact was limited. However, I still helped however I could. From feeding orphaned babies in the NICU, to helping nurses in A&E, to holding a woman’s hand while she was in labor, I maximized my impact. I believe my biggest impact in Mombasa was my toy drive. I donated over one hundred stuffed toys to pediatric patients, kids around the hospital, and babies in the NICU. I also donated more small toys and stickers to a local orphanage, fidget toys and coloring books to the mental health unit of CGTRH, and school supplies to a local school. Although my internship only lasted two weeks, it was life-changing. It further cemented my interest in medicine and opened my eyes to a different culture. My experience revealed my purpose in life: I wish to help other people when they need it most. I discovered my passion, specifically in emergency medicine. Despite a lack of resources and unideal conditions, the people at CGTRH were nothing short of inspiring. From mothers giving birth with little pain medication, to the toughest people I have ever seen in the emergency room, and to the doctors eager to teach and care for their patients, every person inspired me. I expanded my knowledge of medicine each and every day I was at the hospital. Seeing the conditions at CGTRH were eye-opening and the entire experience increased my maturity. I am endlessly grateful for everything this internship has taught me.
Read Nora's In-Depth Internship Reflection
Download Nora Vallarino’s comprehensive reflection paper detailing their learning objectives, clinical observations, ethical insights, and takeaways from their IMA program—an excellent resource for students, parents, and advisors evaluating the depth of our internships.
