Adios No, Mejor Hasta Pronto

By:

Melanie Gallegos-Campos

Published:

Countries

Demographics

, , ,

Majors

,

Regions

Melanie Gallegos-Campos

<i>Pronouns:</i> She/her <i>Home Institution:</i> University of California, Davis <i>Expected Graduation:</i> 2023 <i>Major / Minor:</i> Global Disease Biology / Chicana/o Studies <i>Study Abroad Location:</i> Oaxaca, Mexico <i>"Hello" in your host country's language:</i> Hola <i>Program Provider:</i> UCEAP <i>Identity:</i> Hispanic/Latinx, First-Generation American, First-Generation College Student, Community College Student, Transfer Student <i>Future Career Goals:</i> My future career goals are to complete a master's degree in public health and earn a medical degree so I can serve my community as a physician. I am particularly interested in working towards making healthcare accessible to underserved and disadvantaged groups, whether it be directly through patient care or on a larger scale through health politics and policymaking. <i>Top 3 Goals for your time abroad:</i> My top goals for my time abroad are to (1) immerse myself in Oaxacan culture by trying traditional foods and participating in Fall festivities, (2) gain in-depth clinical and public health experience to prepare me for a career in healthcare, and (3) improve my Spanish fluency and cultural awareness to better work with patients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Dec. 1, 2023

Time went by so quickly. I can’t believe the program is finally coming to an end. Although I’m excited to get back home and see my friends and family, I already feel like I miss Oaxaca with its beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and friendly faces.

I am so immensely grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to study abroad, especially with the support of Fund for Education Abroad. My experience here has been invaluable to shaping my future as a pre-med student and future healthcare professional. When I was first accepted to this program I saw it as a chance to explore a new place, learn about health issues in a different population, and expand my knowledge of global health systems. This program provided me so much more than what I could have anticipated. Not only did I fulfill my goals for this program, but I grew as a student and as a person. I learned that I am very adaptable and capable of adjusting to new environments and new routines, without my usual support system. I learned how much I value having a work-life balance since being on this program is the first time in a long time that I haven’t had a job while studying full-time. And I learned that there’s something special about being open to new experiences and embracing differences to learn more about others and yourself.

Now I will be heading home with the reassurance and certainty that a career in the medical field is the right fit for me. Speaking to doctors during my clinical rotations, meeting patients and learning about their health issues, and doing community work focused on health education, helped me realize that the work I want to do as a doctor will go beyond the clinical setting and patient consultations. I hope to get involved with public health projects and health policy, not only treat patients but educate them, and more importantly make healthcare accessible to Spanish-speaking, immigrant, or rural communities that face greater health disparities. I feel motivated and ready to go home and prepare for the next steps in my academic and professional careers so I can become the doctor my future patients deserve.

Although this was my first time visiting Oaxaca, it definitely won’t be my last. My cohort has mentioned having a reunion someday and returning to Oaxaca together. I think it’d be really special to see each and every person in this group achieve their dreams and reunite as the healthcare professionals we’re all hoping to be. I’m grateful for having such a friendly, fun, and hardworking cohort to complete this program with and of course, I feel so lucky for the professors and faculty that guided us along the way.

All in all, I am filled with gratitude and joy. I don’t feel ready to say goodbye so “Adios No, Mejor Hasta Pronto” / “It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Soon.”