Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Sydney Rapp
I decided to participate in this trip after speaking with Dr. Hickey
about the dental program/clinic they had started since I had last gone
on the trip in 2014. When I went my freshman year and was able to
Spanish skills. I came back very humbled and grateful for what I had
still experiencing the things I did on the first trip. After hearing about
the hands on experience the pre-dental students the year before got, I
go on this trip was so I could feel like I was truly helping people and
keep myself grounded. While all my friends were off on their fun
spring breaks I was doing what I love, while also learning about myself
and coming to the realization that there is more to life than partying.
Unfortunately, there are not any courses in my major that align with
totally different from the types of things I have learned, and will learn,
something that not only teaches them knowledge about the sciences,
the culture of its people, the language and the healthcare system.
Trust me when I say that its one thing to learn about a country and its
would say this aspect of the course aligns the most with my academic
to think that I know a lot about the language, I quickly found that I
have a lot of learn. While there, I was able to practice my Spanish and
say it relates well to my aspirations. I didnt just get to look over the
dentists shoulders while they did the work; I got hands on experience.
I learned how to do an oral exam and check for cavities. I learned how
to classify cavities and know the treatment that would follow. I got to
help with restorations and extractions and devise the post-op care for
dentistry and each day I felt more assured that this is what I want to
do. I loved learning about the science behind the mouth as well as how
important dental hygiene really is. I was inspired by the dentist, who
not only took care of her patients, but also explained why she was
doing what she was doing as well as why it is important for the patient
to take care of their mouth. I think a large issue in not only Nicaragua,
but also the US, is that people are not well informed about their health,
specifically how to take care of themselves. They are told to brush their
teeth and floss but not really told why they should, what will happen if
they dont and whats really happening in their mouth when they eat
something like a candy bar, which is high in sugar. I definitely feel like
Even though I had been on this trip once before, I would still say
grateful for what you have. I find myself worrying about trivial things
all over the world who dont even own a toothbrush, who dont have
running water, air conditioning and all of the things I take for granted
every day. Another thing I find very refreshing is how genuinely happy
even the poorest of the people I came into contact with are. People
often see the states as a place with people who are too concerned
about money and their careers and dont focus enough on what