Lessons Learned

I signed up for this rotation thinking that it would be an amazing experience, and an AMAZING experience it was. It hard to put into words how much the rotation has meant to me and how much it will continue to mean to me in the future. I will always remember the times our group had with eachother on such a great island. Being on the island in general is an eye opener, but being able to participate in clinic days, days at schools, and helping with the house of hope gave me an even greater appreciation for the life we live here in the United States. We take so much for granted, it honestly blows my mind. It amazes me that people can stay so positive with far less than we have here. My goal while being back is to always cherish the relationships that I have and the relationships that I will form in the future. I need to continually tell myself that there are people in this world with far less physical possessions that are much happier because they have love in their life. If I always cherish the love in my life I should be set no matter what happens.
-Beth-

Lessons Learned

There are so many things that I have learned while doing this rotation in Dominica.  This rotation was such an amazing experience I am so grateful that I was able to experience it.  There are so many things that I have learned while doing this rotation. While in Dominica, I realized how much we take for granted in the US.  I think it's hard to really realize the extent of what we take for granted until you actually have the experience of seeing how little these people live with and yet how happy and grateful they are for what they have. I think that is what meant to the most to me is seeing how little these people have, how limited they are on basic medical supplies, and even in the schools how limited they are on basic things such as children's reading books, but yet are still so happy. I could not believe how caring everyone is to eachother and how eager they are to always help eachother out. There is always a friendly smile on all of their faces. While being back in the US, I have been more aware of my surroundings and have realized how much we stress over the little things and how busy we seem to be in our lives to not take the time to enjoy what we have. This rotation has taught me to enjoy and be grateful for everything that we have, to not sweat the small stuff, to enjoy the company of others, and also to take the time and help someone in need. The people in Dominica have taught me these valuable life lessons of helping others and to always be thankful for what we have that I will be sure to take with me forever and always cherish.
-Sara

Lessons Learned

It’s hard to pinpoint only one lesson learned from the vast experiences I’ve had while in Dominica.  This small country and its people have taught me many valuable lessons that I will never forget.  For starters, from the moment we stepped into the clinic for the first time I quickly realized how much we take for granted in the US.  We have nearly everything at our fingertips, while some people in Dominica go without basic necessities and medical care due to cost or unavailability.  We have adequate housing, clothing, medical care, and schooling among many other things yet still some of us Americans aren’t happy enough.  The people in Dominica have far less than we have in many aspects of life but oddly enough they are overall much happier people.  They trust and love one and other and will always go above and beyond to help a neighbor out.  From these interactions I’ve learned that the simple things in life are the most meaningful and money doesn’t mean much when it comes to happiness.  The people of Dominica may not have everything, but they surely do make the most of everything that comes their way.  I’ve also learned that you can still achieve your goals while leading a more relaxed and peaceful life.  We won’t stop achieving our goals if we give up our hurried and competitive lifestyle.  Since I’ve been back, my goal has been to stop worrying about the small stuff and I’ve quickly realized that when it comes down to it, it’s almost all small stuff!  When I find myself stressed and overwhelmed, I will do my best to think back to my experience and the lessons I’ve learned from the people of Dominica.

- Jess