Diana S.

Studying In:

Merida, Mexico and Cuba

Scholarship:

IFSA Access Partner Scholarship

Journal Entries

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More About This Scholar

Major / Minor:

Neuroscience

Program Provider:

Brandeis University and the Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA)

Future Career Goals:

My goal is to become a physician or clinical neuropsychologist working at the intersection of neuroscience, mental health, and public health. I hope to provide compassionate, culturally competent care to underserved and immigrant communities, especially in rural areas like those in El Salvador, where my family is from. I want to return as both a healthcare provider and advocate—someone who listens, educates, and builds trust with patients who are often overlooked or dismissed.

Beyond direct care, I hope to contribute to research that explores how trauma, language, and identity impact the brain and behavior. I also want to mentor other first-generation and Latinx students in medicine and psychology, and eventually influence policy to improve health access and outcomes for marginalized populations.

Top 3 Goals for your time abroad:

1. Deepen my understanding of public health systems in Latin America, especially how culture, history, and socioeconomic factors influence care—so I can better serve immigrant and underserved communities as a future healthcare professional.

2. Engage with traditional and modern medicine in the Yucatán and Cuba, learning how Indigenous and community-based practices coexist with formal healthcare systems.

3. Immerse myself in Yucatecan culture through my homestay and site visits, building meaningful connections and improving my Spanish to better communicate with patients in the future.

A Message to Our Donors:

Thank you for investing in my journey. As a first-generation Latina pursuing neuroscience and public health, this opportunity to study abroad in Mérida means more than words can express. Your generosity is not only opening doors for me—it’s helping me become the kind of healthcare leader my family and community have always needed. I carry this experience with deep gratitude and purpose.

Posts

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