Spring Break is approaching fast, and while many of you might be planning road trips out to Panama City Beach, or cruises with friends, some of you might not have plans yet. For those of you who are looking to do something a little more meaningful and rewarding with your time during spring break (not that booze cruises aren’t rewarding), you might want to consider registering to volunteer with MEDLIFE.
MEDLIFE, which has a chapter here at FSU, sets up mobile clinics around the world where student volunteers bring medical supplies and assistance to people and villages in need. This is a great opportunity for those considering pursuing a career in medicine, dentistry or any health profession.
One FSU Student and Kappa Alpha Theta sister, Ashley Wainio, dedicated a week of her winter break to travel to Cusco, Peru. And while she was able to improve the lives of many, there is something to be said for what she herself gained through the experience, so much so that after attending a MEDLIFE to Lima, Peru last year, she went to Cusco, Peru over winter break. I spoke with Ashley about her experience with MEDLIFE and how it has benefited and changed her for the better. Read her interview below to learn more about Ashley’s experience.
How did you get involved with MEDLIFE?
“I wanted to become more involved on campus, especially in pre-med organizations. During my freshman year, an older girl in my sorority was the president of MEDLIFE and told me to come to a meeting and see what it was all about. After attending the first meeting and seeing some of her pictures of the work she did, I was sold.”
Why did you choose MEDLIFE among all the programs to travel with?
“I did research on a lot of the programs and MEDLIFE is unique in the fact that it doesn’t require a long application process or approval to the program. It is very affordable and it is easy to sign up for the trips.”
Why did you choose to spend your break volunteering?
“I wanted to travel and give back to those in need. I also wanted to become immersed with another culture and see more than our bubble of Tallahassee. I knew this was a great opportunity to learn new things, create lasting memories and new experiences. Life is all about challenging yourself and I felt this was the perfect way to do something I loved while also helping others in need.”
Is there fundraising or other financial assistance through MEDLIFE to pay for the trip?
“MEDLIFE has a 50:50 campaign that allows half of the money raised to go directly towards paying for your trip. People are more willing to donate usually when they know the money is going to provide direct medical assistance to people who otherwise would not be able to receive healthcare. I personally won the MEDLIFE 2014 Photo Contest and received a scholarship through the organization to help pay for some of the trip. The MEDLIFE club at FSU had many fundraising events to also help out with the cost, like Bruster’s share-it-nights and bake sales.”
What was the most rewarding experience during the trip?
“The patients were so fortunate for our help and medical assistance that it brought many of us to tears. Knowing all the medical issues these individuals faced, but seeing their happiness and smiles, was the most rewarding feeling. I knew we were impacting their lives and making a difference on them not only physically, but also mentally. We gave the children a different view of the world and in turn, they gave us one back.”
Is the trip purely volunteering or are there sight-seeing and fun activities to participate in?
“The great part about MEDLIFE is that there are days before and after the week of medical care to explore the city. A few days before the week began, we traveled all around the city, rode horses up mountains, tasted local food, and immersed ourselves in the culture. After the week was over, we traveled to Machu Picchu and hiked Huayna Picchu. The clinics also get done before dinner, so there was extra time to really appreciate the country.”
What were some of your favorite memories from the trip?
“After knowing how much the children liked the gifts I handed out in Lima, I bought some plastic rings to give out to the girls after teeth brushing. They were so happy and thankful for my small gesture and the boys even wanted one too. The children were incredibly appreciative, and seeing their happiness was very impactful. We also built a room in an orphanage and spent time with the girls before working. To see how grateful they were just to play jump rope or dance around with us was heartening. It puts your life into perspective, and you realize how fortunate we are to have clean water, food, families, and great health. The friendships I made through MEDLIFE are also notable. I’ve made great friends through both trips and it’s nice to spend time with people who have similar interests and aspirations as you. Two of my best friends were made through my first MEDLIFE trip. Lastly, the exposure to the medical environment and shadowing experience I gained through this trip was amazing. The hands-on involvement you receive when working with individuals who greatly need medical attention is very rewarding in itself.”
