Although this subject might not be the focus of my current career efforts, my study of ecology has molded the way I walk through life and created more depth to the world around me (especially here in the jungle!).
Going to school in San Luis Obispo provided me with easy access to nature’s beauty. Beaches, mountains and vineyards flanked all sides of the campus. I was in paradise whenever I finally escaped the clutches of the library. The school understands this, however, and it's very easy finding a class that will take you to interesting locations. One quarter, I was waking up at 4 AM, 2 times a week to find birds. Senior year, I was working in a free clinic that provided general, dental and eye care. My very last summer was spent in the cold basement of the science building, where I got to dissect human cadavers. I graduated with a small obsession for birds and a strong desire to continue my education in medicine.
That last summer at Cal Poly was special for another reason. Right as spring finals ended, I found myself on a plane to Central America with an organization called Global Medical Brigades (GMB). For the next week and half, I worked with medical staff and community members to pitch a pop-up clinic in rural Honduras. This trip fulfilled a lifelong dream to do service work abroad. I felt strongly about contributing to a global network of volunteers, but I had no idea how it would change the trajectory of my life.
I was shocked at the dichotomies I witnessed in Honduras. These beautiful landscapes of lush forest and succulent fruit trees were the backdrop to so much pain and suffering from poverty and lack of access to adequate healthcare.
