Me with a statue of El Chavo del Ocho, a character from a Mexican Sitcom

In Antigua, I was set up with a host family by Maximo Nivel. I had the fantastic luck of being hosted by Jessica and her family, including her two sons and her mother who were typically around. She went out of her way throughout the entire month to accommodate me and the many other folks there that were a part of other programs put on by Maximo Nivel. She made a great breakfast and dinner, was incredibly kind to speak to and would help us all with our homework. She was really like a mom to all of us.

Clinically, I was placed at the Hogar de Ancianos, a long-term elderly care facility that also had an outpatient clinic where I helped with interviewing patients, performing physicals and creating a care plans for patients – all of this in Spanish. In addition, I was able to help nurses with inpatient responsibilities including feeding and taking vitals. The patients were amazing and kind, often quite talkative, and they enjoyed listening to what we had to say about America. They were all incredibly grateful for whatever care was being provided, and having the opportunity to participate in their care will be something I am forever thankful for.