Eye-opening Experience

In 2023 I went on the GLA program: Guatemala: Global Health in the Land of the Maya. What drew me to this trip was the service work. I had previously been set on being a doctor but was scared that it was solely the idea that drew me to it, not taking vitals, interacting with patients, etc. I decided that this trip would help me to determine if this was truly something that I wanted to do. Our first day of service work was chaotic. We were in charge of facilitating a free health clinic in a rural indigenous community, asking for medical history, taking vitals, and escorting people to various stations. While it was chaotic, it was also incredibly fulfilling. It felt like I was making a positive impact on the world in a way I never had. I talked and played with so many different people that I otherwise would never have met. This service is unlike any I’ve heard of, and it ultimately led me to decide that medicine was something I wanted to pursue. Additionally, this program is not all about service work. While in Guatemala I went whitewater rafting, visited a coffee plantation, and participated in a traditional Mayan wedding ceremony all while learning CPR, and what practicing medicine is like in a different country. The final factor that made this an A+ experience was the people. The staff was caring and attentive, making sure that everyone had everything they needed and was doing okay. The friends I made on this trip were all adventurous and unique, and by the end of the trip, some bonds would last a lifetime. Overall, I would recommend this program to anyone looking for an incredible experience capable of opening their eyes to adventure, perspective, and purpose—just be ready to eat a lot of black beans.