I have been asked to tell my story... something that encompasses my past, my passions and my goals. Where to start? Why do I want to pursue volunteer work? If I had to start somewhere, I guess it should begin with my cousin Tyeliah. Tyeliah and I are only related by marriage, and, in fact I had never met her when she initially inspired me as a young teen. She was a Peace Corps volunteer, and from what I know she served two years in Africa as a teacher. Although I don't know much about her experience, I wish I could somehow put into words the incredible work she did abroad. Hearing about her experience opened my mind to the idea of using volunteer work to make this world a more positive place than I found it.
Fast forward several years later and the idea of volunteering was still a thought I toyed with. In high school I began to give it some serious thought, and by the time I entered college I knew volunteering was a passion I would have to pursue. However, I questioned how could I be an effective volunteer? How could I turn my interest in biology into something productive and meaningful to other people? I enrolled in Salisbury University with the goal of obtaining a nursing degree that I could use to positively affect people anywhere in the world.
Throughout my college career I was blessed with a very supportive family. So supportive that they encouraged me to seek out my interest in health care in the poorest and most resource constrained countries in the word. Thus, this began my travels to India and Africa. The experiences I had abroad not only opened my eyes to how fortunate I was to be a part of a western health care system, but also saddened me how many people do not have access to even basic health care. I saw first-hand that not everyone had access to proper health facilities, education, or even clean drinking water or food. Recourses such as electricity, gloves, or the ability to sterilize instruments were scarce. I met many adults, families and children that had illnesses and diseases that were nonexistent or eradicated in the United States. Working closely with patients who suffered from malnutrition, Tuberculosis, Polio, Malaria, HIV, and the list continues, gave me the opportunity to connect and learn their stories and change my life educationally and spiritually.
According to The World Health Organization it is estimated that over 4 million health workers are needed to bridge the gap of inadequate health care. I honestly believe this is my purpose. Therefore, I extensively researched volunteer organizations in which I could fulfill this purpose. It has been a process to say the least, but I needed an organization that was right for me and encompassed my values and beliefs about healthcare. After much research, I was lead to The Catholic Medical Mission Board. This organization possessed the same vision I had for the world "A world in which every human life is valued and quality health care is available to all."
So here I go... a brand new Registered nurse from Salisbury University volunteering aboard through the Catholic Medical Mission Board to provide quality health care without discrimination. In order for me to achieve this I need your support. All donations directly support volunteers traveling, living, and working abroad. The Catholic Medical Mission Board is recognized by the IRS, therefore all donations are tax deductible.
Thank you so much for reading my story and supporting my endeavor. Together I believe we can make a difference in global health care by providing access, exposure, and education.
