Traveling for a New World by Ishika

Ishika's entry into Varsity Tutor's August 2019 scholarship contest

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Traveling for a New World by Ishika - August 2019 Scholarship Essay

After reading this prompt, my immediate thought wandered to traveling, but not traveling in the way most people would think of. I would want to spend my gap year traveling to third world countries and volunteering at their local hospitals, clinics, or even villages that have no access for medical help. I want to work to improve the health conditions of all individuals around the world. I would want to travel to countries like India, Peru, Cambodia, or Haiti and involve others who are also interested in exploring the unknown to help me aid those that are less fortunate and that struggle through numerous health problems which could be improved by just a little bit of awareness and involvement.

This past summer, I had the privilege of working with some of the top scientists at the University of Arizona as an intern. Throughout my eight-week program, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of infectious diseases and other research that focused on ways to improve the lives of individuals not just in the U.S., but also in other countries around the world. After spending my eight weeks performing hands-on experiments and researching, I came to realize my desire to help those around me. I want to make a difference in this world, even if it means doing it by myself.

I want to spend my gap year experiencing the struggles that others have experienced. I want to see a new perspective of what life is like in underdeveloped countries, and help build those countries into something more sustainable and more self-sufficient in medical related fields. In fact, I have traveled to India on numerous occasions. While I may not have been there to volunteer, I did however, witness many people working tirelessly day and night under poor health conditions. Many of these people could barely bring enough food to the table much less think about getting medical attention and only to receive medical bills they would never be able to pay back. But why should they have to suffer from medical problems simply because they have no access to it or cannot afford it? They shouldn't. I believe that it is our job as human beings to help out one another and build together to create a world where people have the chance to live a healthy life without suffering from unusual pain in their bodies.

The perfect way to spend a gap year is by understanding what life is like outside of our own personal bubbles. Spending time in other countries where things like doctors and clinics are not readily available to those that need it most will allow me to see and experience life from a whole new perspective. Not only will I be able to learn from this gap year, but I will also take a step toward advancing into my own medical career as well.

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