ACCESS & my work at the hospital..

About four weeks ago, I returned from an ACCESS camp. It was absolutely an amazing experience that I look forward to participating again next year. At the site, I worked with students ages 15-18 in order to strengthen their English proficiency. We had sessions that taught American television, music, diversity. Asides from the American culture sessions we also provided them with interview, resume and life skills that we hope will aid them in their future education/career. My team, MIAMI!! Yes I know that I am from NYC but that city was already taken. I was happy that I got MIAMI as some of you may know that I like to watch basketball... MIAMI HEATS. The camp was also the graduation ceremony for the 120+ students that were a part of the ACCESS program. We had a bon fire on the beach, lit lanterns, had team building activities and many more.

Remarks- Working with students is always a treat for me as my career has always been developed more on the health care side. Spending a week working with young leaders of KG really gave me a satisfaction that differs from working with patients. Thus saying, I really really enjoyed it very much.

And for these past few weeks, I have gone back to work at my hospitals. Almost every minute has been a challenge for me being that fact that my Russian language is not up to par yet. There are still much that I don't understand as I wished I did. It is frustrating at times--- but people constantly remind me that I have only learned the language for 3 months and that I am doing well.

In addition to the language challenge, I am also facing the challenge of not understanding the KG health care system. I spent maybe almost 10 years learning about the US health care system, medical education, patient care etc... but I realized that now it's time to learn about another system. Asking people questions, reading articles, observations etc.

Along with that, I am trying to get in touch with international non profit health organizations to provide assistance to the hospital. With that said, if anyone knows of any, please e-mail me. I would appreciate any help I can get.

I also want to help my friends here, one whom is a doctor who wants to travel to other countries to gain hands on experience in the field of OGBYN. Another friend is studying software engineering and would like to study in the US or a chance to have an internship with American companies. Please contact me if you know any programs or companies that have such opportunities. They are both talent individuals and I hope that they can learn from other parts of the world and return to contribute to their native country.

Write soon!

pictures...

And.. I’ll be heading out to another camp this week with IREX, wish me luck and safety-- all.