Tomorrow is takeoff! My flight may leave before the sun comes up, but I couldn’t be more excited to be headed to Granada, Nicaragua. For the entire semester, a group of twelve of us have prepared ourselves for a two-week Nicaraguan experience. Throughout the two weeks, we will be working in a clinic sponsored by “Friends of Rudy,” an organization who sends groups of doctors and nurses down to Nicaragua every year. As one who hopes to go to medical school in the future, the opportunity to work in a clinic was one I couldn’t pass up. In addition, having a Spanish background will allow me to gain some invaluable practice.
The biggest thing I have done to prepare for the two weeks would be practicing my Spanish. Although I have spoken the language for several years, conversing with native speakers is an entirely new challenge. I am excited for the opportunity, but I would be lying if I said I was not a bit nervous. Having other students practicing with me, however, has eased my nerves.
Besides the clinical experience, we will also get a chance to experience Nicaragua and its culture outside of the clinic. We will be going on several excursions throughout the trip, and I am beyond excited to see what is in store for us. Coming from a family of travelers, I have always loved going to different places and seeing how different people live. I expect that I will not only learn a lot about Nicaragua and its people, but also grow as a more well-rounded individual. Let’s do this – hasta luego!