Introducing Minnie Dasgupta, one of MEDLIFE’s summer interns in Lima, Peru.  Minnie is a star MEDLIFE student member — she created the MEDLIFE UC Berkeley Chapter 2 years ago and has quickly turned it into one of our most successful student chapters nationwide!  This summer, Minnie will be lending a hand in all sorts of MEDLIFE activities, such as working with our Patient Follow-up Coordinators, leading student volunteers on MEDLIFE Mobile Clinics, and designing new programs for MEDLIFE student chapters for the coming year.

Where are you from?

I’m originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, but I live in Berkeley, California during most of the year. I’m going to be a senior at UC Berkeley this fall, double majoring in Developmental Genetics and South Asian Studies.

What is your favorite MEDLIFE memory?

My best MEDLIFE memories are from last summer, when I attended my first two-week Mobile Clinic in Riobamba. I loved talking with all the kids, and one day I remember a few of them asked me how to say all the different colors in English.  They laughed hysterically when I told them we have a word called “purple,” and then promptly ran away to tell the rest of their friends.

What has surprised you the most about Lima?

Probably the fact that there are so many levels of wealth within such close proximity of each other – it’s a 20-30 minute bus ride from a really extravagant casino to the most barren and impoverished communities. Also, I’ve seen at least three KFC’s here which totally caught me off guard.

What do you like about being an intern?

Learning more about MEDLIFE’s goals, exploring a new and exciting culture, and our awesome MEDLIFE vests (not necessarily in that order)

Are you really, really good at the board game Taboo™?

Why yes, yes I am*

Thanks, Minnie.  We’re looking forward to hearing more about your work in the coming weeks!

*Statement not yet verified — we are still waiting to bring some board games to the MEDLIFE office in Lima!