Visiting Antigua, Guatemala for an education abroad program was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It exceeded my expectations in every aspect. Although I was only there for a week, the loving and welcoming community made it feel like home, and I am already looking forward to my next visit there.

This experience educated me on the issue of access to healthcare. Although I knew the facts and statistics prior to the program, hearing the stories from members of the community themselves of how limited healthcare affects their day-to-day life and wellbeing had a significant impact on me. Patients knowing the depth of severe diagnosis they have been given, knowing they need glasses, knowing they needed lifesaving mediations, while simultaneously knowing they did not have the resources to access them left me speechless.

Our clinic was met with an overwhelming amount of gratitude and appreciation from every member of the community. As the week went on, we became familiar and close with some of the community members and our wonderful translators and it was heartwarming to see how quickly we could all connect from the shared passion of human connection and understanding. The incredible leadership and teamwork shown from the physicians, volunteers, and translators was instrumental in making this such an outstanding experience.

I am a first-generation American, coming from a family entirely of immigrants. I have heard countless stories of the endless struggles of my parents and relatives detailing what their life in the Middle East was like. Prior to this program, my imagination could only take me so far, but seeing similar struggles first-hand affected me in a more profound way and increased my desire to help exponentially.

This experience mixed with my personal connection being a member of a minority, has only made my desire to help people that much stronger. It ignited a desire to use my education and privilege to help fight the issue of access to healthcare. I look forward to attending many education abroad programs in the future and throughout the entirety of my career to continue to achieve my personal goal of helping communities in need.

Name: Nadya Herfi
Status: Graduate
Major: Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Grosse Pointe, Michigan
Program: Global Health: Guatemala - Clinical Immersion