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Who wouldn’t love a tropical adventure to a beautiful country with a lot of history? From March 30th to April 7^th  I was with  group of AWTY school dedicated volunteers  on a life changing trip Belize. Partnered with World Leader School we lived in a Maya Mopan village building local school , getting to know local families and exploring  different areas of Belize .

Situated between Mexico and Guatemala to the west, and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the east, Belize is a sliver of green. There, in the heart of the  tropical forest lye a small Mayan  village where we were graciously hosted by the local families. Not only were the villagers friendly but the food was amazing. In the village we helped the local elementary school finish building the fence that we started two years ago and repaint the school. We were also substitute for the local teacher and I was really mover by the local children their beauty, their simplicity, their generous spirit.

I was able to bond closely with the people in my group so now they are like my extended family. We laughed until it hurt and cried together and I will never forget the memories I have made there.

After talking to my homestay mother and other locals I found that it was difficult for them to get access to medical facilities, especially for their children. Because the village is small and rural they do not have a permanent doctor or clinic there, and one village mother said that it was very expensive to get appointments because they had to pay for ambulance rides to the city and back as well as the doctors fee. I believe that all people should be able to access to medical facilities and care.  Well, looks like I found my first mission after becoming a doctor –  I vowed to myself to come back to the island  and provide much needed medical help to the community I grow to knew and love.

Everybody had a blast at the Tomball German Festival.   (December 7-9)  We got off to a rough start with a terrible storm on Friday, but for the rest of the weekend the weather was perfect. I managed the stage for the Telgte Dance Hall and the Warsteiner stage, and performed alongside Das Ist Lustig. I even had time to stroll a little bit. Overall it was busy, fun, and cold. The next festival is in March in Tomball, Texas and I hope to see you there. Check out this video from the festival.

 

This year I had the privilege of being accepted to attend the Student Diversity Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. From November 28 through December 1 over 1600 students participate in discussion groups and listen to speakers like Lisa Ling. This year’s theme was Harmony, Discord, and the Notes in between. This conference has changed me in so many ways. I have gained knowledge and experience which I would not have anywhere else. I now have a new approach to life. It expanded my understanding of compassion, empathy, justice, and acceptance, all of which help me become a better person and a better doctor.

ATSSB Region Band Audition and Performance

November 3, 2018 – Audition

November 10, 2018 – Performance

I am so excited to have made 1st place in Region band and be eligible to audition at area for ATSSB. Even though I was sick, I am glad to have done so well. The performance was fun and I am glad to have reconnected to some of my old friends again. All State here I come.