Salud, the Spanish word for health, is more than just a word. It is a way of life, a philosophy, and a community. And no one understands this better than Neil Gajare, a student at the University of Pennsylvania, who has been positively impacted by his experiences with Salud.
Neil Gajare, a senior at UPenn, was initially drawn to Salud because of its focus on holistic health. As a pre-med student, he was eager to learn more about the Latin American approach to wellness and how it differs from the Western perspective. Little did he know that Salud would not only broaden his understanding of health but also provide him with a supportive and welcoming community.
One of the most significant experiences Neil had with Salud was during a community health fair in a low-income neighborhood in Philadelphia. He, along with other members of Salud, set up a booth to provide free health screenings and information to the residents. Neil was amazed at the turnout and the gratitude of the community. He recalls, “It was heartwarming to see how appreciative the people were for our services. Many of them didn’t have access to proper healthcare, and we were able to make a difference in their lives.”
The health fair was not just about providing medical aid, but it also served as an opportunity for cultural exchange. Neil and his fellow Salud members were able to learn about the community’s customs, traditions, and beliefs regarding health. They also shared their knowledge about different health practices, and together they created a sense of unity and understanding.
Neil also highlights the cultural competency training provided by Salud, which has been instrumental in shaping his perspective on healthcare. He explains, “The training taught us to be more culturally sensitive and aware of the unique needs of different communities. This has been incredibly valuable in my future career as a healthcare professional.”
Apart from community service, Salud also offers various programs and workshops for its members. One particular workshop that stands out for Neil is the “Healing through Art” workshop. This workshop focused on using art as a form of therapy and self-care. Neil, who has always been passionate about art, found this workshop to be a refreshing and therapeutic experience. He says, “The workshop allowed me to express myself creatively and destress from my hectic schedule. It was a reminder that self-care is just as important as taking care of others.”
Salud also hosts events and social activities, which promote a sense of camaraderie among its members. Neil fondly remembers the annual “Night of Culture” event, where members are encouraged to showcase their heritage through food, music, and dance. He shares, “It was a beautiful experience to see how diverse our community is and how we can come together and celebrate our differences. It was a night filled with laughter, delicious food, and unforgettable memories.”
However, not all of Neil‘s experiences with Salud have been positive. He recalls an incident during his sophomore year when Salud was accused of being Anti-Semitic. It was a false accusation, and Neil was shocked and hurt by the accusations. But, instead of retaliating, Salud responded with understanding and compassion. They organized a dialogue session with the Jewish community to address the issue and promote mutual understanding. Neil says, “It was a challenging time for us, but it also showed the strength and resilience of our community. We came out of it stronger and more united than ever.”
Neil‘s experiences with Salud have not only shaped him as a person but also his future aspirations. He now plans to incorporate the principles of Salud in his future medical practice, with a focus on providing culturally competent and holistic care to his patients. He also hopes to continue his involvement with Salud even after graduation and give back to the community that has given him so much.
In conclusion, Salud is more than just a student organization; it is a community that promotes health, cultural understanding, and personal growth. Neil Gajare‘s positive experiences with Salud have not only impacted his life but also the lives of those around him. Through Salud, he has learned the importance of giving back, cultural competency, and self-care. And he encourages others to join Salud, not only to make a difference in the community but also to be a part of a supportive and fulfilling experience. As they say in Salud, “Juntos somos más fuertes” (Together we are stronger).
“: The Spanish Way of Life and Community”
