Mar 07 2008
Understanding the depth of service
by senior Jo Vargas
In reflection of my time here in the Dominican Republic - now that it is about that time to leave and return to the routine American life I have set for myself as a student - I have begun to understand the depth to service, in its verb format. I have always been one to serve and make sure others felt comfortable around me while doing various service projects and in different areas of service. What I have discovered during my week in the Dominican Republic is that service doesn’t always involve sacrifice. One tends to group these two words together, especially in the United States, where being available for service involves sacrificing your time, resources and money.However, in observing the people who include service as part of their daily lives, it is amazing to notice how much service is a second nature and not an inconvenience, for lack of a softer word, to those who are dedicated to the positive changes in the lives of their people. People such as Dr. Garcia, Nurse Guillermina and Susanna the agronomist - as well as the hundreds of others who not only made us feel welcome here but also showed us an amazing amount of respect and gentility everywhere we went. These are people who have great vision for their country and their countrymen who are unable to sit back and wait for something great to fall into their laps. Rather, they go and chase it, obtain it and share it with others.
The experiences we have had in sharing our knowledge with those eager to learn has taught our team the benefits of forming relationships with people beyond the clinical work and has helped us re-evaluate the reasons doctors exist: to help anyone that needs health care. As a team leader, this experience has helped me to obtain a greater understanding of the way others think and helped compare my seemingly impossible ideas with those of people who have made the “impossible” happen. This trip has definitely been empowering in several ways, and if I could take anything home with me, it would be this: Anything is possible, no matter how small or large that may be. And not only is it possible, but it can be a way of life - a way to enjoy life, it can be the joy of life. Reaching your goals doesn’t always have to be a struggle - it can be a beautiful stroll on your way to the places you want to go.