Alesia Dassance ’17

Eaton Rapids, MI

Nursing

Clinical

I participated in a humanitarian medical mission working with Syrian refugees in Jordan and visiting Israel as a volunteer with Flying Doctors of America.

There are two things that I find most important that I learned through my experience. The first is pertaining to healthcare: it is important to follow patients’ religion and beliefs when prescribing medicines and practicing routine checkups. The second is pertaining to life: I realized that life is something we should value and not take for granted, because others are not as lucky to live life how I do.

I believe I have improved as a future healthcare employee. I was able to see healthcare from a different point of view, and I have had my eyes opened to the value of good healthcare, and life. This will help me in the future because it is an experience that will stick with me forever and I am eternally grateful to be able to have experienced what I did.

There were a lot of times I would be thinking to myself something that could help the patients, then the doctor would tell the patient the same thing I was thinking to myself, which made me feel confident in my career choice. I will build on this experience in my future by always remembering my experience and what I learned. Once I graduate, I want to go on more medical missions, to help spread my knowledge and to continue helping those who cannot obtain proper medical care.

This trip opened my eyes to what others go through and how fortunate I am to be able to live life without fear, I am able to go to obtain health care when needed and I do not have to worry if I am going to eat that day or how much water I can drink.

I would recommend this type of experience to other students because it is important to have clinical experience, but I think it is also important to work with the bare minimum so that you are prepared for the worst situation.