It has been two days since I last awoke in Hostal Amador Familiar, anxiously awaiting what a new day in Panama might bring to enrich the lives of me and my classmates. It has been odd how quickly my life has adjusted back to normal after what seemed like a simultaneous physical and mental departure from my commonplace life here in Tampa. Once I finally had time to sit down and personally reflect on my experiences, I realized that although this trip was at times difficult for me, it has truly changed my perspective and persona. Even though the changes may be subtle and nearly unnoticeable, I have garnered a stronger desire to make the most positive impact that I can in the places where it is needed most.
I don’t think that there really is any way that someone could truly prepare themselves for an experience like the one that my classmates and I had on Panamanian soil. Of course, I felt intellectually prepared from the various discourses we had had for nearly a full semester prior to our departure. The film The Panama Deception had unveiled my eyes to certain aspects of Panama’s history; Dr. Ann DeBaldo had discussed facets of the Panamanian healthcare system; and Christy Burke had lightheartedly illustrated the importance of learning as a volunteer. But did I remember any of that when I was holding a tiny infant in my arms at Nutre Hogar? Not really. While volunteering in Panama, I felt that I couldn’t really concentrate on anything else. It was as if my sole purpose in existence was to be there, on that particular day, interacting with whatever child I had the fortunate opportunity to cross paths with in that transitory instant. I thought about the children’s intense struggle to survive each and every day. While in-country, it was hard for me to envision my life outside of the sphere of service. I inevitably missed certain aspects of home, but it was hard to think about going back. These children, whom I may never see again, may have been temporarily safe and currently on their way to being restored to good health, but who knows whether they would continue to receive the love and attention that they so desperately needed once we were gone?
Our short time in Panama reminded me a lot of one of the articles that we read in class before the trip, titled “To Hell with Good Intentions.” In it, the author (Ivan Illich) described a type of volunteerism in which those intending to good actually end up doing more harm because of the short time span devoted to beginning what could be a long-term project before leaving. However, even though the duration of our stay at each volunteer site inevitably lasted just a few hours, I feel that our entire group really made a lasting impression. I was so proud of all of my classmates who tried to speak Spanish in order to truly understand the stories of the children at Casa Esperanza. And, as many of our group members noted, even just the few extra hours of nurturing that we shared with the babies at Nutre Hogar could very well have created a subconscious influence that might endure for a lifetime.
Oddly enough, I still feel like I have not had enough time to fully process everything that I saw on this trip. For the past week, I have been overwhelmed with mixed emotions of simultaneous happiness and sadness. When I was flying to Panama last Friday, I never could have guessed what this experience would bring me. It has made me want to work even harder in school so that I really can realize my dream of becoming a physician to help children like the ones that we met in Panama. I never want to be the type of person that is ignorant to these problems in the world. It is so easy to be consumed with one’s own life and not acknowledge the good fortune and prosperity that surrounds us every day.
While in Panama, I feel like our group was lucky to have really experienced the full range of ethnicity that the country had to offer. Although it was sometimes difficult to transition from the mindset of volunteering to that of being a more relaxed “visitor,” in a foreign country, it was worth it because we accomplished so much during our one-week sojourn. El Valle was absolutely gorgeous, and showed the Panamanian terrain through a more organic aspect. And I still had fun zip lining, even though it was a somewhat painful experience! One of my favorite parts of the trip (when we were not volunteering) was visiting the three different types of hospitals: the Children’s Hospital, Parque Lefevre Community Health Center, and Policlínica de El Marañón. Even though some parts of these healthcare centers were disheartening (for example, the absence of an elevator to the second-floor physical therapy unit in the community health center), it was interesting to see what lies outside of the contemporary boundaries of the facilities that I am used to seeing in Florida, particularly in USF Health. Although I would have liked to see what a private hospital looked like just for comparison purposes, I assume that it would not have differed much from private hospitals in the U.S. After meeting Dr. Elías Bonilla’s, I realized that I really admired his personality. He is the type of physician that I aspire to be. He was so warm and lighthearted, but you could tell that he took his job seriously. And he was not interested in the monetary aspect of medicine. Towards the end of the trip, at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), I thought of my mom and how happy she would be to work in a place like that. I felt that the STRI really focused on understanding biodiversity to propose a more promising future for our ecosystems. Visiting the U.S. Embassy and the Panama Canal combined to form a beautiful conclusion to our time spent learning in Panama. Even though I did not completely agree with Ambassador Stephenson’s approach to some of the conflicts and issues in Panama, I do think that she (and her colleaugues) provided an insight to the gateways with which some of us may be able to help countries like Panama in the future.
Did it feel odd to come back home? Most definitely. I think about the children that I was so fortunate to have met every day, and sometimes even when I go to sleep at night. I wonder if the infants at Nutre Hogar are crying in their cribs the way they cried when we would lay them down after playing with them and feeding them. I wonder if the young boys and girls that we met at Casa Esperanza are safe, even though I know that they are in constant confrontation with adversity. I know that worrying doesn’t help, but it’s hard not to. However, I would rather focus on the time that we spent at these shelters interacting and playing with the children. I hope that I made at least a fraction of the impact on their lives as they made on mine.
Also, this trip has really made me want to start devoting more time to the hungry and impoverished right here at home. Though the situations may not be as grave, Tampa certainly shares common poverty issues with Panama. I think that sometimes it takes a trip abroad to recognize that these problems are everywhere, and that you don’t necessarily have to travel across the country to do your part to help.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Final Blog- Shivani Alamo
Friday, already. It was unbelievable how fast the trip came and left. Our last day in Panama was amazing like all the others. We started off with a tour of City of Knowledge then made our way to meet the Ambassador. The two women that spoke at the City of knowledge really summed up all of the hospital tours from the entire week. Then we went to visit the Embassy, this was an awesome experience. Almost like something I have never experienced before, going through high security, having to wear an official ID tag, and having to be escorted 4 at a time. Then when the ambassador spoke, she summed up a lot of what is going on in the operating of Panama and that explained a lot of things from the week as well. She tried to best explain Panamanian structure and did a good job at it. What I found even more interesting though were her colleagues, they really broke down the international affairs positions that they work in. This helped me as I am an international relations major. I felt like the speakers at Cuidad del Saber and the meeting at the Embassy brought everything from the week together. The experiences with the children, and where they were growing up, to the political structures, and medical system. Speaking with the representatives from the embassy really put my career plans into perspective and helped me narrow down what I want to do. Their accounts of how it is to work on the international field held much weight into the decisions that I will have to make in the near future.
Friday, already. It was very hard when we arrived home after our day and it was time to pack. I started feeling very sad, as I packed my bag and looked around at my fellow classmates that I shared so many experiences with. In one week I grew closer to people I didn't know, and experienced with them things I have not experienced with my own family. Together we helped give attention to children who otherwise probably wouldn't have received it in those four days. Some may look at it as we came to Panama to play with babies and children in the park, but I think we did more than what we can ever see. I only hope that my fellow classmates and I don't forget this experience and take all that we have seen and learned to take action in our lives. All of this is going through my mind while packing. Scenes from through out the week keep reeling over and over in my head; everything from the smithsonian to little Arisberto laughing. I think about him a lot actually, sometimes I wonder what he and the other babies are doing. Or what Luigi and the other kids from Casa Esperanza are doing. Will I ever see them again? Will they achieve what they want in life? Will they survive?
I am back in the states now, and all I can think about is Panama, the beautiful scenery, people and children we worked with. I look at all I have here, and what they had there. I keep thinking about everything we saw from hospitals to poverty stricken streets. I keep thinking about everything that we learned about the country, its people and their stories. I am grateful for such an amazing experience and can't even begin to put into words the feelings that I had throughout the week. I have made a promise to myself to not forget.
Last Day in Panama--by Liza Dolzhenko
Friday--The Last Day in Panama:
It was very hard for me to believe that Friday was going to be my last day in Panama. By then, I got really used to the Hostel, my five wonderful roommates, the beautiful surroundings and the delicious food. But I guess nice things are very easy to get used to.
In the morning we went to visit USF Health office in the City of Knowledge, where we got to hear two presentations that summed up everything that we have learned in the past week. We also got to know more about the opportunities such as scholarships and various programs offered by USF in the City of Knowledge. This definitely struck my classmates' attention, because many people began asking very specific questions and no doubt contemplating coming back to Panama some day. Although I haven't previously considered studying abroad, my experiences in Panama have made me seriously consider this option.
After our visit to USF Health, we set off to visit the US Embassy in Panama. Getting in the building was a long process; we had to be escorted inside in groups of four. After all of us were in, we met the ambassador and a group of 5 or 6 of her colleagues. This, in my opinion, was the most interesting presentation of the week. The ambassador gave us the big picture about what was going on in Panama and the US-Panamanian relations. She and her colleagues also spoke about their experiences working for the United States government and all the perks and cons associated with the job. Although I do not think that this is something that I would be interested in doing, I greatly admire these people and the lifestyle they have chosen in order to serve the US government.
After the visit to the embassy we went to have lunch at Pencas, which was, as always, delicious. Then we went to the market once again to get a few last minute souvenirs, where I purchased my first Mola. By now I was really sick of all the souvenirs, but I thought it would be kind of wrong to leave Panama without purchasing at least one.
Then we went back to the Hostel and it was time to get ready for next day's early departure. We were slowly packing, but it still didn't feel like we were leaving in a few hours. I think for most people it wasn't until the airport that they started to realize that our visit to Panama was over.
As for me, I think that it's just now hitting me that I am very far from Panama and what's even sadder, I may never see it again.
Final Reflection: Jon Casanas
I encountered difficulties trying to post my last blog. I've placed it on facebook for those of you who have an account.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/note.php?note_id=59381532935
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/note.php?note_id=59381532935
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Final Reflection: Anton
After coming back to USF this past Saturday, I realized that there could have been no better way to spend my spring break. I have traveled out of the country before, but no experience could have prepared me for this trip. I left with the feeling that I have made a difference.
The first two days were valuable in the sense of Panamanian culture and scenery. Meeting the Embera tribe left with an entirely new perspective of those that don't take part in technology and twenty first century luxuries. I had previously thought that these groups felt needful and under-privileged. On the canoe, cruising away from the island, I knew that this was not the case at all. In fact, it was a very simple, happy life - without many of the struggles of "civilized" life. It was disheartening to hear some of the dangers and obstacles that they face as a people. I wish there is something that could be done about the government's power over them. Their culture is quickly changing as the advent of tourism is growing in their economy. Now, food, beads, material, and other things are bought in town with money that they receive for putting up with tourists. It's really a shame that their way of life is so drastically changed.
The next four days were some of the best days that I have had in quite a while. I have worked with several childrens' organizations, but not one that could even compare to these. This children have so many needs, and it is feels terrible not to be able to satisfy all of them. We did a great job in helping out with some of the organizations financial problems, but the biggest need that both shared is the lack of caring individuals that can come and spend time with the kids. I didn't originally think that two days with a baby or a kid would make any difference. In Casa Esperanza, we only were able to spend about five hours with the kids. We threw a small party for them, and by doing so - we showed them that there are people who care for them. The true value of these two days were meeting a couple of the kids, and talking and playing with them. Contrary to what I had thought, spending just a few hours with a kid can have an impact on his life. I met one child, Danny, who stuck with me most of the time. I was able to teach him several things about dealing with women, and he taught me some spanish. I had the pleasure of dressing up as a Leprechaun for the party, in charge of the candy; in which I wore a large, skillfully crafted hat. The significance of this was that I was able to leave the hat with Danny, as a constant reminder that someone, somewhere is thinking about him.
At Nutre Hogar, I learned that I am actually not half bad in dealing with babies. The first second I walked into the nursery, this one little dude was staring me down. I went over to him and played with him for a bit. I went to leave and he started crying. It seemed like he bonded with me pretty quickly. I ended up playing with little Jose for four hours, without leaving him once. If I tried to walk away, the whole neighborhood heard his protests. The next day was the same routine. He recognized me instantly and we spent another few hours together, culminating in me feeding him dinner. It hit me so hard that this little guy was defenseless against the fact that his survival depended on this organization, and the support it receives from others. When I fed him dinner, it was tough to keep a straight face. He was almost two years old, and could not speak or walk. Without someone there to stimulate his mental and physical growth, his future will be at risk. If I could, I would have stayed there for another few weeks - or just taken him home with me in my suitcase.
These few days took a mental toll on me, however they instilled in me a desire to do more in my community. One can preach all day of hardship and much-needed help, but until the listener actually sees his own work pay off, it is hard to muster up the initiative to help. I gained many great memories of my hard work serving these little kids, and I now see that it is so important that people volunteer. I have learned many things, gained perspective, and discovered a lot about myself as a person. This trip was incredible, and I really want the Honors College to have another class like this, going to another country. I will be the first to sign up!
The first two days were valuable in the sense of Panamanian culture and scenery. Meeting the Embera tribe left with an entirely new perspective of those that don't take part in technology and twenty first century luxuries. I had previously thought that these groups felt needful and under-privileged. On the canoe, cruising away from the island, I knew that this was not the case at all. In fact, it was a very simple, happy life - without many of the struggles of "civilized" life. It was disheartening to hear some of the dangers and obstacles that they face as a people. I wish there is something that could be done about the government's power over them. Their culture is quickly changing as the advent of tourism is growing in their economy. Now, food, beads, material, and other things are bought in town with money that they receive for putting up with tourists. It's really a shame that their way of life is so drastically changed.
The next four days were some of the best days that I have had in quite a while. I have worked with several childrens' organizations, but not one that could even compare to these. This children have so many needs, and it is feels terrible not to be able to satisfy all of them. We did a great job in helping out with some of the organizations financial problems, but the biggest need that both shared is the lack of caring individuals that can come and spend time with the kids. I didn't originally think that two days with a baby or a kid would make any difference. In Casa Esperanza, we only were able to spend about five hours with the kids. We threw a small party for them, and by doing so - we showed them that there are people who care for them. The true value of these two days were meeting a couple of the kids, and talking and playing with them. Contrary to what I had thought, spending just a few hours with a kid can have an impact on his life. I met one child, Danny, who stuck with me most of the time. I was able to teach him several things about dealing with women, and he taught me some spanish. I had the pleasure of dressing up as a Leprechaun for the party, in charge of the candy; in which I wore a large, skillfully crafted hat. The significance of this was that I was able to leave the hat with Danny, as a constant reminder that someone, somewhere is thinking about him.
At Nutre Hogar, I learned that I am actually not half bad in dealing with babies. The first second I walked into the nursery, this one little dude was staring me down. I went over to him and played with him for a bit. I went to leave and he started crying. It seemed like he bonded with me pretty quickly. I ended up playing with little Jose for four hours, without leaving him once. If I tried to walk away, the whole neighborhood heard his protests. The next day was the same routine. He recognized me instantly and we spent another few hours together, culminating in me feeding him dinner. It hit me so hard that this little guy was defenseless against the fact that his survival depended on this organization, and the support it receives from others. When I fed him dinner, it was tough to keep a straight face. He was almost two years old, and could not speak or walk. Without someone there to stimulate his mental and physical growth, his future will be at risk. If I could, I would have stayed there for another few weeks - or just taken him home with me in my suitcase.
These few days took a mental toll on me, however they instilled in me a desire to do more in my community. One can preach all day of hardship and much-needed help, but until the listener actually sees his own work pay off, it is hard to muster up the initiative to help. I gained many great memories of my hard work serving these little kids, and I now see that it is so important that people volunteer. I have learned many things, gained perspective, and discovered a lot about myself as a person. This trip was incredible, and I really want the Honors College to have another class like this, going to another country. I will be the first to sign up!
Final Reflection
Our last day in Panama, a bittersweet moment in time during which we frantically tried to soak up every second of our remaining time in country and yet at the same time were desperately eager to return to our homes. Time flew as we rushed from place to place, attempting to match our newly aquired Latin sense of time to our closely scheduled itinerary.
The day started, as most did, bright and early with the world's best bus driver (Darius) forced yet again to drive our crazy group around the city. All thirty of us were together again for the day, beginning with a tour of the Ciudad del Saber USF Health Office which involved walking in one door and out another and then repeating the entire process in reverse! After that brief detour we hailed our bus drivers and set out to meet the actual head of USF Health and learn more about the city. Then it was back on the bus as we rushed to the U.S Embassy to meet with the ambassador before her flight left. Personally, talking with her and her staff was probably the most academically relevant part of our trip as the topics of crime, international relations, police models, etc are what I am studying. By the time all this was over it was pretty late in the afternoon and we were all definitely ready for lunch at Penca's. It being a Lenten Friday and all my options were fairly limted though I did get some excellent calamare and patacones...which took forever to get to the table!!! Hunger sated, after yet another two and a half hour lunch, we headed over to the Miraflores Lock to view the infamous Panama Canal. Unfortunately, I got seperated from my group so I missed the movie and spent the whole time on the roof watching the Canal which was very interesting so it wasn't too bad. It was actually pretty amazing to physically see something that had been the subject of so many of our class discussions. After that we rushed to the market for some last minute souvenir shopping before heading back to the hostal to pack everything up and get ready to leave EARLY in the morning. Hostal craziness ended our final day in Panama around midnight and then we woke up a mere three hours later in order to catch our flight home.
After a 24/7 Panama immersion it was very odd waking up this morning by myself in my own bed...in fact, I was still on Panamanian time and woke up at 6 am this morning ready for a breakfast of fresh fruit and a day of activity and I'm still not sure whether I was disappointed or relieved to have nothing scheduled for the day. Just further evidence of how much I enjoyed the trip, the class and the experience as a whole. It's definitely something I will never forget.
-LE
The day started, as most did, bright and early with the world's best bus driver (Darius) forced yet again to drive our crazy group around the city. All thirty of us were together again for the day, beginning with a tour of the Ciudad del Saber USF Health Office which involved walking in one door and out another and then repeating the entire process in reverse! After that brief detour we hailed our bus drivers and set out to meet the actual head of USF Health and learn more about the city. Then it was back on the bus as we rushed to the U.S Embassy to meet with the ambassador before her flight left. Personally, talking with her and her staff was probably the most academically relevant part of our trip as the topics of crime, international relations, police models, etc are what I am studying. By the time all this was over it was pretty late in the afternoon and we were all definitely ready for lunch at Penca's. It being a Lenten Friday and all my options were fairly limted though I did get some excellent calamare and patacones...which took forever to get to the table!!! Hunger sated, after yet another two and a half hour lunch, we headed over to the Miraflores Lock to view the infamous Panama Canal. Unfortunately, I got seperated from my group so I missed the movie and spent the whole time on the roof watching the Canal which was very interesting so it wasn't too bad. It was actually pretty amazing to physically see something that had been the subject of so many of our class discussions. After that we rushed to the market for some last minute souvenir shopping before heading back to the hostal to pack everything up and get ready to leave EARLY in the morning. Hostal craziness ended our final day in Panama around midnight and then we woke up a mere three hours later in order to catch our flight home.
After a 24/7 Panama immersion it was very odd waking up this morning by myself in my own bed...in fact, I was still on Panamanian time and woke up at 6 am this morning ready for a breakfast of fresh fruit and a day of activity and I'm still not sure whether I was disappointed or relieved to have nothing scheduled for the day. Just further evidence of how much I enjoyed the trip, the class and the experience as a whole. It's definitely something I will never forget.
-LE
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
