玛利亚·汤普森’s first day on her medical internship in Mexico included counting contractions for a woman in labor.
“It was very intense,” Thompson recalled. “I did something medical related and talked to the woman in Spanish – that was the epitome of what I wanted to do while studying there.”
She assisted with at least 15 more deliveries throughout her semester-long internship.
Thompson had long dreamed about a career in medicine. She also knew early on that she wanted to study abroad while in college but would face the challenge of balancing biology classes with a semester away.
“So I worked really hard in order to be able to go to Mexico during my senior year,汤普森说。, who graduated in May from NWU with degrees in biology and Spanish.
She studied at Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla in Puebla, Mexico. While there she observed surgeries and assisted with family medicine and pediatric practices. She also participated in a medical mission trip to Chiapas, where she volunteered for Companions in 健康, an organization that aids people without running water and heated homes.
“It was a life-changing experience,” she said. “It was very eye-opening regarding all of the things I had always taken for granted.”
“Even without all of the comforts we benefit here,她补充道。, “people there were hard-working and self-sufficient. They could survive happily without everything we normally have.”
Thompson said she wanted to study abroad for the medical experience and the opportunity to live with a host family who would immerse her in the culture.
“My host dad would dance salsa with me, and my host mom and I would watch telenovelas every Wednesday night. I would also go to the movies with my host brother, and we would watch Netflix at night both in Spanish and English to help each other,她回忆道。.
Studying in Mexico gave Thompson a clearer idea of her future.
“I want to go to medical school,” she explained. “I’m interested in osteopathic medicine. It is a more holistic medicinal field that focuses on mind, body, 和精神, instead of just the anatomy aspect.”
“I did not know a lot about it before my experience in Mexico,她补充道。, “but now I am more certain that this is what I would like to do.”
Thompson has applied to medical school and has applied for another medical internship in Mexico.
“I really made an effort to fulfill my dreams at Nebraska Wesleyan,” she said. “Before coming to Nebraska Wesleyan, I was told this was a small environment where every student can make the most out of it. I would say I definitely succeeded.”
***
— Story by Alessandro Schirano