Over winter break, the Montana Outreach Clinic made its annual trip to Santa Maria del Mexicano Orphanage in Colon, Mexico. Of the 7 students selected for this opportunity, 4 are pursuing degrees in Chemistry and/or Biochemistry. Carroll College students and faculty assisted with healthcare assessments and education.
“Between teaching students about healthy eating (in Spanish! Yikes!), taking blood pressures, playing games at recess with the kids, holding a clinic for the poor, and having meals with the kids at the orphanage, it was hard to point out the “best” moment. My time in Mexico was honestly a life changing experience and I have a renewed appreciation for friendship and hope.”
-- Talya Vaira, Senior, Chemistry and Biochemistry-Molecular Biology
“This experience made me reflect on why I want to go into healthcare, and the people who I would have the opportunity to serve in that field.”
-- Paul Wilson, Senior, Chemistry and Health Science
“The relationships built, the memories made, and the time spent at Santa Maria made a huge impact on me and I cannot wait to continue down the path of helping others.”
-- Riley Galt, Junior, Biochemistry-Molecular Biology
“As we drove away from the orphanage for the last time to catch our early flight, I was instilled with a deeper understanding of what healthcare meant to those in poverty and a heightened meaning as to why I should continue to pursue a job in medicine. Whether it be to Santa Maria del Mexicano or somewhere similar, I hope to return with a higher medical skill set so I can help serve those in need.”
--Eric Hollenbaugh, Junior, Chemistry and Biochemistry-Molecular Biology