Activities and Outreach.
Amigos for Christ
During the Spring of 2023, I was blessed with the opportunity to visit Chinandega, Nicaragua, where I volunteered with Amigos for Christ. Amigos for Christ is a nonprofit organization that focuses on health promotion, leadership, education, clean water, and economic development in rural Nicaraguan communities. Throughout the week, I worked on digging water lines alongside the community members of Mayo Cunda, doing health promotion in the community of Grecia, and planting ginger and turmeric on a farm outside of Chinandega.
My favorite memories from my trip are from Grecia. There, we worked on building trusting relationships with the families of the community by eating, talking, and spending time with them. We finished each visit by taking urine samples and testing the leukocyte, blood, protein, pH, and density levels of the urine. From there, we would educate the family members on the importance of drinking water, how to reach their water goal, and also connected them to doctors if they were suffering from an infection.
This experience was one I will hold close to my heart throughout my lifetime. I hope to return for a three month health promotion internship after graduation and work among the communities to promote healthy and sanitary practices.
Free Clinic of Central Virginia
During the summer of 2024, I began volunteering at the Free Clinic of Central Virginia, a cornerstone of my local community. The free clinic's mission is to provide free or affordable care to uninsured or underinsured members of our community. During my time as a volunteer, I had the opportunity to perform administrative duties, process patient information, answer and direct phone calls, make appointments, and educate patients on available services in the local area.
My favorite moment was when I was able to translate for a Spanish-speaking patient. Because there were no translators on-site, I was able to translate throughout the intake process, during the medical appointment and a dental appointment, as well as help the patient schedule their follow-up appointments.
Volunteering at the Free Clinic has been an extremely valuable experience, and has enabled me to help members of my community in a hands-on manner. I look forward to continuing my time as a volunteer and increasing access to affordable and quality care for the underserved.
KidzLife Leader at LifePoint Church
Since the Spring of my freshman year of college, I have been blessed to be an active member of my church. After I initially joined my church, I quickly realized I wanted to be involved in the Children's' Ministry that is held every Sunday. For the past three and a half years, I have led a group of 20 or more kindergarten and first grade students through their spiritual journey. By implementing lessons and activities designed to develop their spiritual life, I have been able to see how the Lord works among the children he loves so dearly. Through this position, I have developed in my own faith and leadership skills.
