Jackson Nissen, 16 years old, Commack High School, From Commack NY
Impressions of Ecuador
The first day I started in the operating room. I went from at first just watching and helping clean up to actually scrubbing in. I’ve always expected surgery to be a very delicate procedure but after seeing how it’s actually done I realize that the body really takes a beating from it. Especially in orthopedics. I was able to scrub in on a hernia which was very fascinating. Something I found interesting was how quickly the surgery was done. It’s amazing that such a quick procedure can help someone so much. I was able to watch a lap coli and benefits that technology can offer medicine. With just 3 small incisions the doctors are able to completely fix a person. Today I’ve been working with the IT department and meting the patients. Ecuadorians are some of the nicest people in the world and it’s an honor to help them.
Josueth Ramirez, 19 years old, Casa Grande University, From Guayaquil ECU
Impression of Blanca house’s Volunteers
It’s my second mission trip, and it’s amazing that such a quick procedure could help someone so much. Most of them were so kind and really helpful, I found that Americans are some of the nicest people that I could ever met and I’m so glad to help them. It’s been a great to learn a little bit about them. I was able to learn very fascinating things such as hernia surgery and knee surgery.
Zachary Burbano, 21 years old, Hofstra University, from Manorville NY
Impressions of a premed student
After six missions with Blanca’s House and my second time as Junior Volunteer coordinator, the experiences I have had are priceless. My interest in medicine was sparked when I went on my first mission with the intention of jus testing the waters and seeing if I would like working in a hospital setting. My father thought it was a great idea, so I tagged along, and I am so glad I did. From my first surgery experience with Dr Salim Matar, our very talented ENT specialist, all the way through general medicine, plastics, gynecology, general surgery, and now orthopedics, I can say I have been thoroughly blessed to have met and worked with some of the most talented, brilliant, and kindhearted physicians I have ever met. This trip, with two plastics tables, two general tables (one hernia and one lap chole), and an orthopedic room, has been one of the most hectic yet most rewarding experiences yet. I have had the privilege to work with some incredible doctors, both from past trips and new comers, and I have learned so much as I always tend to do. The Junior Volunteers on this trip are awesome and I can see them all asking questions and absorbing as much information as they can, which hopefully strengthens their desire to become a medical professional. If this is what my future career is going to look like, then all those sleepless nights studying and crazy competition for medical school will be worth it in the end.
Ashlyn Burbano, 16 years, McGann-Mercy High School, from Manorville, NY
Impressions of a High School Student
My first impressions of this trip was, “I am a small fish in a big pond, a very big pond.” The past two trips that I attended have been small, July mission of 2013 and February mission of 2014. The February mission I helped the physical therapists, Frank and Mike. After this mission I fell in love with physical therapy. This September mission I have the pleasure of working Toni McGinley. I love it. It may be the second day only but I know that physical therapy is the career I wish to pursue.
Darlene Andrea Calderon, 10 years old, William Rall Elementary School, Lindenhurst, NY
When I found out that I was going to Ecuador for the medical mission, I was so excited! My first impression was, “Yes! Do I get to watch a surgery?” Also, I think I was the most excited in the family. This is the second day of the mission and I am already watching surgeries. My first surgery was a knee replacement. I am a translator because some of the mission people don’t know Spanish. To me the surgeons are like superheroes. They are superheroes to me because they save lives. That is why I want to be a surgeon when I grow up!
Raquel Jimenez, 17 years old, Lindenhurst High School
Impressions of a happy person
Being able to come to my home country and help so many people makes me the happiest person in the world. On the very first day of the mission, I was able to observe hernia surgeries, a gallbladder surgery and cleft lip surgeries and I think to myself about how grateful I am to be observing surgeries as a high school student. How many 17 year olds can say they’ve participated in a medical mission? I was also able to be in pre-op and help patients before they go into surgery which made me develop a relationship with them. There was a case when a man was going to get operated on and I kept informing his daughter about what’s going on and the next day, they brought me a sandwich because they were so grateful. With this, it gave me such a great feeling and it made me think about how right I was that coming on this medical mission was going to be worth it.
Cara Scriven, 22 years old, Iona College Graduate, Stony Brook NY
Impressions of a Recent College Grad
As a resent college grad I feel so privileged to be able to come on a trip that helps so many in need of medical attention. So far I have been able to observe and scrub in, in many different surgeries. Such surgeries as lap-chole, hernia repair, hand surgery, and many others. It is great to be able to help others, and see how appreciative the people are too be getting the medical attention they need. I also like experiencing a culture and country I have never experienced. I have been to Europe while in college but I was able to communicate very easily. Here in Ecuador it’s a lot harder to communicate because I know very little Spanish, but it makes me want to learn more of the language. This trip so far has been so educational and inspiring. I feel very grateful to be able to be here.
Billy McGinley, 17 years old, Ward Melville High School
Impressions of a High School Student
As a first year volunteer, coming with my Dad and Brother, I was not sure what to expect. I was very excited for this trip and was looking forward to seeing surgeries. I quickly learned that there’s always a lot of work to be done. It’s a great feeling to know you’re doing so much to help these Ecuadorian people. Watching surgeries such as lap choles and hernias and knee replacements has been the experience of a lifetime and has given me great insight into all these professions. It’s amazing to be surrounded by such amazing and smart people.
Evan Schuval, 16 years old, Commack High School
Impressions of a High School JV
I have been anticipating this trip for almost a year now, and being here in Ecuador is one of the best things I have ever been a part of. Most of my life I have wanted to be doctor and I thought that this would be the best place to figure that out. Here I am able to learn and participate in vast areas of the hospital from many doctors, all while I am giving back to the Ecuadorian community. This has been a unique experience that you can’t have anywhere else. The people are caring and take you under their wing as their own. In just a couple of days I can already tell that my future lays within the medical field. Blanca’s House has paved the road for me to walk on, and I will continue to walk on it for years to come.