-------
FROM REFUGEE CAMP TO MEDICAL SCHOOL VIA CAPE TOWN, LONDON, AND PARIS
By Samixchha Raut Rochester Institute of Technology
Nationwide -- Eight years ago, I lived in Goldhap, a refugee camp in Nepal, where more than 7,000 people reside in just over 1,200 households, without running water or electricity. Today, I'm 22, a senior at Rochester Institute of Technology, majoring in Biomedical Science and on a path to achieve my dream of becoming a doctor. I am studying for the MCAT exam to apply for medical school. It has been a long journey for me and my family.
My dad, a native of Bhutan, fled the homeland with his family. He settled in Goldhap, where he did construction work in a surrounding town, and later started repairing bicycles. He met my mother; they married and had me, and my two younger brothers. But there was barely enough food to go around.
In 2010, my family was able to immigrate to the United States, where we settled in Raleigh, North Carolina. I studied hard and earned a full scholarship to Rochester Institute of Technology. In the spring of 2018, I participated in a study abroad program with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). I spent six weeks in each of three locations - studying HIV/Aids Policy & Politics in Cape Town, Media, Gender & Identity in London and Family and Child Development in Paris. The experience reinforced my commitment to be a doctor!
Article Or Event Continues After Sponsor's Message Below...
Please Support Our Ad Sponsors Who Make This Community News Blog Possible. And Don't Forget To Tell Them You Saw Their Ad in The Scoop!
Farmers Pizza
Article Continues Below...
As a child I was stricken with jaundice, and it wasn't sure that I would survive. My parents worked extra hard and were finally able to purchase the medicine that made me better. Once I recuperated, I decided I wanted to be a doctor to help others.
While studying in South Africa, my class visited a township village, Zwelethemba. I felt like I was back in the refugee camp. The people were living in severe poverty. But you could see and feel the camaraderie and love among the villagers. Every child was being raised by the entire village. I pictured myself in them.
It took me back to our camp, and to our struggles. I spent 13 years of my life in a refugee camp, living just like these people, and then suddenly there I was among them as a scholar. It reaffirmed that I am on the right path. It's important for me to become a doctor and pursue my passion of helping underserved people by providing them with adequate health care.
The study abroad experience was so valuable because I know if I'm to become a doctor and work with a diverse population of people, then I need to experience diversity. This exposure has boosted my motivation to work hard and give back to the community.
CIEE is the oldest and largest nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization in the U.S, and they are committed to increasing the number of students of color studying abroad. Their mission is to transform lives and build bridges between people and nations.
CIEE has programs at more than 60 international sites, including Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, London, Madrid, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai and Sydney. They offer need-based and academic scholarships to college and high school students. Last year alone, they provided more than $8 million in scholarships, grants, and financial aid. To learn more about how you can study abroad, visit www.ciee.org/study
While studying in South Africa, my class visited a township village, Zwelethemba. I felt like I was back in the refugee camp. The people were living in severe poverty. But you could see and feel the camaraderie and love among the villagers. Every child was being raised by the entire village. I pictured myself in them.
It took me back to our camp, and to our struggles. I spent 13 years of my life in a refugee camp, living just like these people, and then suddenly there I was among them as a scholar. It reaffirmed that I am on the right path. It's important for me to become a doctor and pursue my passion of helping underserved people by providing them with adequate health care.
The study abroad experience was so valuable because I know if I'm to become a doctor and work with a diverse population of people, then I need to experience diversity. This exposure has boosted my motivation to work hard and give back to the community.
CIEE is the oldest and largest nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization in the U.S, and they are committed to increasing the number of students of color studying abroad. Their mission is to transform lives and build bridges between people and nations.
CIEE has programs at more than 60 international sites, including Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, London, Madrid, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai and Sydney. They offer need-based and academic scholarships to college and high school students. Last year alone, they provided more than $8 million in scholarships, grants, and financial aid. To learn more about how you can study abroad, visit www.ciee.org/study
Sponsor's Messages Below
Enjoy A Tasty Meal At The New Burger King In
St. Albans, New York
Experience This Modern, Spacious, And Affordable Place To Eat. For More Info Click Here
If You Want Truly Creative Gifts For The Holidays Shop With The B.E.S.T. Community Businesses
For More Information On The B.E.S.T. Networking Group Click Here
Give The Gift Of Beautiful And Affordable Photo Realistic Or Ethnic Art For The Holidays
World Class Sophisticated Art Can Portray Your Love This Holiday Season - Discover Exceptional Black Art, Get Exclusive Custom Framing, and Receive Expert Photography from Renowned Local Artist Click Here
Beautify Your Home and Accentuate Your Life - Discover Exceptional Black Art, Get Exclusive Custom Framing, and Receive Expert Photography from Renowned Local Artist Click Here
Checkout Similar Articles Below
Posted by community events coordinator, Nzinga Lonstein Austin, is a prolific blogger who writes on the entertainment industry and issues for people with developmental and physical challenges.She is presently in high school looking to have a career in video, film, and media. You can see more of her entertainment writing on Lonstein Movies.
About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and is dedicated to the business and economic development in this largely black historic community.
Since you are here think about this please. Do You Want The Southeast Queens Scoop To Continue To Promote Empowering News and Events largely ignored by the corporate owned mainstream media in our area?
Since most local businesses don't have large ad budgets then please consider donating to ensure we can continue our media efforts. We appreciate all contributions ($5, $10, $15, $20, +) no amount is too small. Please donate now below or read more on donations.
No comments:
Post a Comment