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Meet the Interns: Anna

It’s Anna’s first day as an intern with the Student Affairs Team here in Lima, Peru! Over the next two months, Anna will be working to support MEDLIFE’s field work, as well as helping to raise awareness about MEDLIFE’s work across universities in Australia. Learn a bit about Anna here:

anna laming2Tell us a bit about yourself:

My Name is Anna and Im a student from Sydney, Australia! I’m doing a double degree in liberal arts and majoring in psychology, politics and geography. I’m set to finish studying in mid-2013. When I finish my studies, like many students, I’m not completely sure of what career path I’m going to take, but I am currently looking towards international development and poverty reduction, possibly in an international organization. I have always been interested in this arena, particularly because I feel that there is huge potential to make a great difference in the lives of many. Whenever I have the chance I Love to travel, hang out with friends, take photographs and — as a typical Australian — I love the beach!

How did you get involved with MEDLIFE?

I first discovered MEDLIFE through an email I received from the University of Sydney. It advertised internship positions with MEDLIFE where students would have the chance participate in the organization, helping both with their mobile medical clinics and with administration. After some further research about the organization, I was really interested in such a position particularly because of MEDLIFE’s culturally sensitive approach to helping low-income communities in Latin America, but also because it mobilizes student groups and makes them aware of their ability to help communities in need.

What was your first impression of Lima?

Although I haven’t been here long, I think my first impression of Lima was that it is a very busy, warm and exciting place to be. There aren’t as many tourists as I expected and, although its daunting not speaking Spanish, I have found the locals pretty friendly.

What are you most looking forward to during your internship?

Firstly, I’m really looking forward to increasing my awareness of disadvantaged communities, and ways in which they can be helped. I think that was the main reason I chose to apply for the internship and become involved with MEDLIFE. Also, I think it’s a really exciting opportunity to live in a foreign, non-English speaking country for two months — I am hoping to learn some spanish while here! It may be difficult at times, but I think it’s really important to step out of your comfort zone, and delve into the unfamiliar. I think immersing yourself in new experiences is the best way to learn.

Tell us an anecdote from your experience with MEDLIFE thus far:

When I first arrived I was greeted at the airport by one of the MEDLIFE staff. Despite Spanish being her mother tongue, she was able to make me feel welcome and at home right away. This experience has been echoed with all the MEDLIFE staff members I have met. Everyone is so welcoming, thoughtful and willing to help out. I know I’m going to have a great time over the next couple of months.

 

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Hear it From MEDLIFErs

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Reya Seby
Western University

This trip motivated me more to pursue a career in the healthcare field so that I can use my resources to help those who need it the most, similar to MEDLIFE’s mission.

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Victoria DiCanio
University of Connecticut

It was most enjoyable to finish the hard work and see how big a difference a group of individuals can make. It was such an amazing experience.

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Anita Woo
University of Toronto

I enjoyed the mobile clinics the most, especially the dental and triage portions. I would definitely recommend a MEDLIFE trip, it was a great experience.

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David Saff
Maclay High School

The most enjoyable part of my trip was hanging out with the amazing group of kids I was with. I would highly recommend a MEDLIFE volunteer trip to others.

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Sydney Sansone
Nova Southeastern University

This trip made everything that I was learning in my public health courses come to life and immersed me in a new culture while also learning about medicine.

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Abygail Youmans
College of Charleston

Being involved with MEDLIFE is not like joining another club - its bigger than that. It is about joining a movement that seeks to help change people’s quality of life for forever.

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Emi Hofmann
University of Central Florida

Not only was I able to participate in a week long Mobile Clinic, shadowing doctors of all types of specialties including pharmacy, dentistry, gynecology, and more, but I was also able to learn about the culture and visit incredible places.

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Julian Takagi-Stewart
University of Toronto

One thing that I really loved about this trip was that MEDLIFE made sure that the volunteers got an understanding of the complexity of issues that lead to underprivileged people in communities outside of the main city

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Hannah Van Hofwegen
University of Ottawa

Whether it was basketball with the local kids, assisting the doctors, talking with families, building washrooms, holding babies, or spending time with the people who were on the SLT with me, this was an amazing opportunity that I would do over and over again.

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Isabelle Holt
Cornell University

I loved learning about the patients MEDLIFE has followed and how they offer real help to people with chronic/urgent conditions. It is amazing how the organization formed real connections with the communities.

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Valerie Lindeborg
Parent

Our family had the privilege of participating in multiple trips with Nick [founder] and his amazing staff. Their expertise made the trips unforgettable while instilling in my boys the fundamentals of good character: selflessness, compassion, and empathy.

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Harry Vildibill
University of Georgia

As an aspiring physician, MEDLIFE motivated me to further continue my goal of becoming a doctor. In fact, I enjoyed the Tanzania Service Learning Trip so much that I decided to go on another trip to Cusco, Peru.