A New Start With Fundacion Anna Ross

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LaVannah Watt

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I am so excited! I have conquered my first two days (Wednesday and Thursday) of service-learning at Fundacion Anna Ross. This foundation offers health promotion, therapy, and support groups to women suffering with or has survived breast cancer. On Wednesday, my colleagues and I created invitations and hand-delivered them to various patients at San Juan Dios Hospital. It was wonderful to see the ladies smile from our little message of hope.  I was a little nervous at first because of my basic Spanish skills; however, I pressed through the shyness and engaged in conversations with them. On Thursday, my colleagues and I volunteered at Salon Rosa , located within the Dr. Adolfo Carit Eva Hospital for women. Salon Rosa is rehabilitation program for women who has undergoned mastectomies. During our shift, we gave out additional invitations for our support group at Fundacion Anna Ross, and we assisted the nurses with various tasks, such as comforting and supporting our patients. We learned alot about the rehab program. It was a really great experience. I am definitely looking forward to next week to learn even more. 

LaVannah Watt

Hello, my name is LaVannah Watt. I am studying Nursing (RN) and Spanish at the University of Texas, Arlington. I am a member of the Arlington Nursing Students’ Association (ASNA), Black Student Nurse Nursing Association (BSNA), and Hispanic Student Nursing Association (HSNA). As a member, I volunteer in the Dallas-Fort Worth community and offer support to incoming and fellow nursing students. I am a 25-year-old single parent who strives daily to be a positive example for my son and family. I demonstrate patience, passion, and purpose as I continue through college in contrast to the “stereotypical norms” placed on single parents by today’s society. I have endured and conquered many obstacles that most people would perceive as deterrents to achieving their dreams. Because of my life experiences, I am determined to work hard and go beyond the “expected limitations”. I am taking the initiative to learn, grow, and network to broaden my horizon to life outside of the United States. I have always desired to become a competent Spanish speaker, so I want to fully emerge in the culture. That is why I decided to study abroad in Costa Rica this summer. With this opportunity, I will be studying Medical Spanish and Conflict Resolution in Healthcare. I will learn effective communication and leadership skills that I can integrate into practice upon returning to Texas. I will be able to connect with my patients and fellow colleagues who are fluent speakers. Also, while in Costa Rica, I will be participating in a service-learning program and volunteering at a medical institution to further develop my professional skills as a student nurse. I look forward to learning more about the Spanish language, becoming culturally competent, and immersing myself in the Tico culture. “Pura Vida!”