It’s been over two weeks since our return from San Pablo and
the beautiful country of Guatemala. While I wish I could spend more time there,
especially during these last few frigid days, I know that I also have a place
here. After returning, I enjoyed one week of relaxation before jumping into my
spring internship at St. Michael’s Hospital in their sports medicine clinic.
Working an unpaid 40-hour week is a drastic difference from working a 7-hour
clinic for four days. While some of the people I deal with are grateful for my
services, many are less than thrilled to be in the position they are in. I wish
I could show them how thankful they should be that they have clean, running
water to drink and a septic system that can handle toilet paper. There are tons
of people who have nothing and are thankful for everything. While I struggle to
balance my full-time internship, two online classes and a part-time job, I can
only imagine how I should be thankful for all of those things. I am able to
attend a university and complete my degree. I am able to start a new degree at
the drop of a hat. I have the past education to hold my part-time job and make
a decent amount of money doing what I love. While others complain about the
cold outside, I think of the beautiful San Pablo weather. While others complain
about the snow outside, I think of the volcanoes that lined the Antigua
skyline. I cannot wait to return to San Pablo. I originally set out with the
mindset that I go to San Pablo to help the people, when in reality, they are
the ones helping me.
