My name is Adriana Sandoval and I have been presented with a once in a lifetime opportunity. I have been selected as 1 of the 30 volunteers to travel to Ghana, Africa for one month to embark on a journey as a medical intern for Global Brigades; over 1000 applicants applied.

This journey will allow me to assist the Ghana community in international health and development where I will be given the opportunity to share ideas, collaborate on new initiatives and use my leadership qualities to strengthen and develop a better life environment for the people of Ghana. As a current nursing student, this experience personally will help prepare me in my field of study by shadowing medical staff and meeting with community members. This opportunity is vital for me in preparation as a future healthcare provider because, it will expose me to another world of culture which will then better prepare me in communicating, interacting, and holistically care for patients and people of diverse cultures. This involvement is close to my heart because ever since I decided to become a nurse, I’ve deeply felt that Africa is a place where I need to make a difference and provide healthcare to.

On the grounds of Ghana, I will be assisting physicians and become a part of the multidisciplinary teams that are involved in providing healthcare in clinics to the people of Ghana. All 30 of us volunteers will also break up into smaller groups to conduct research that will involve exploring more effective and sustainable ways to solve current healthcare related issues within the Ghana community. This experience will provide me with better knowledge on how to critically think through different scenarios that I will encounter in my career, and will also allow me to ultimately find a solution in patients’ best interest.

In my current occupation at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, I have the honor of being surrounded by little warriors fighting serious illnesses and that are still trying to live their lives every day to the fullest. This alone has encouraged me to become the best healthcare professional that I can be because I want to be a part of their fight as a nurse on their road to recovery and live the rest of their lives. I would also like to become a travelling nurse and provide healthcare to those in need and who are limited in resources in different countries. This internship will only enhance my desire to fulfill this dream and goal of mine.

Global Brigades is the world’s largest student-led global health and sustainable development organization. Since 2004, Global Brigades has mobilized thousands of university students and professionals through nine skill-based programs that work in partnership with community members to improve quality of life in under resourced regions while respecting local culture. Their vision is to improve equality of life by igniting the largest student-led social responsibility movement on the planet. Their mission is to resolve global health and economic disparities by empowering student volunteers, local professionals, and community members in a collaborative holistic approach to sustainable development. You can find more information about Global Brigades at www.globalbrigades.org.

I cannot achieve this internship alone, I need your help. I will need to raise roughly $4,500 in order to be part of this great opportunity. $2,500 will go towards my meals, housing, translators, insurance, etc. while I am in Ghana. The other $2,000 will go towards my airfare fees. If you are able to donate, anything helps and will go a long way! Your contribution is also tax-deductible and you will receive a receipt at the end of your transaction. You may donate on my website page at http://www.empowered.org/AdrianaSandoval. If you are unable to contribute, I would like to just ask for your prayers as I embark this unique journey! I want to thank you in advance for taking the time to read about this opportunity that I have been presented with, for your contributions, and for helping me change the world!
Kindest Regards,
Adriana Sandoval