Embarking on my first solo travel initially left me terrified. However, upon meeting my host mom in Xela, Doña Nydia, I felt an immediate sense of relief. My time with my host family and our shared meals became moments of vibrant connection. We stayed up late a few nights to exchange stories and laughs, shared our favorite music and even discussed the deep structural challenges faced by many within the country.

I participated in the Pop Wuj clinic two to three times weekly. The clinic, patients' medications and the entire program rely on funding from visiting students and donations. Despite facing limited resources, we positively impacted the care of many patients dealing with diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and more. I gained hands-on experience in conducting patient interviews and physical exams, and presenting cases in Spanish to the exceptionally knowledgeable and kind Doctora Alejandra, who is a full-time physician who volunteers her time at the clinic.

Pop Wuj offers diverse learning experiences; however, my most memorable experience involved visiting a school situated high on a mountain, providing physical exams for young children. In Guatemala, societal expectations often confine women to staying at home, starting families and assuming familial responsibilities from a very young age. Given that similar expectations exist in my family's cultural context, I was reminded of how profoundly grateful I am for the opportunity to study medicine and pursue my passions.

Beyond the incredible experiences, I formed meaningful connections with remarkable individuals. The medical students and health care professionals I shared the program with were equally dedicated to serving underserved communities and enhancing their medical Spanish skills for future practice. During weekends, I explored Guatemala outside Xela, indulging in fantastic food, dancing through the night, making friends with locals and other young travelers, and enjoying beautiful sights, including cliff jumping!