The pervasive notion that “one cannot help others, when they themselves do not have the resources” has plagued me throughout my life, especially coming from my background as a first generation immigrant. My passion towards dismantling this paralyzing notion as well as my drive to encourage others to pursue their goals (whether that’s scholarship-based/personal aspirations) has been primarily actualized through my involvement with mentoring underprivileged youth back in my hometown. My particular interests towards the Public Health Brigade arise from the fact that along with education, access to quality health care is another issue that I am adamant about and this umbrella of human rights intimately interlaces these essential systems towards a healthier and educated public.

--

Global Brigades genuinely coalesces my aspirations to explore and give back to the world in a productive manner. While I still have much to learn to navigate my space both here in the U.S. and abroad, I am eager to contribute my skills to causes that focus on empowering communities through specific cases. Columbia University's involvement with the Global Brigades network not only illustrates much of the University’s own philosophy of educating and contributing its knowledge and resources to the larger society, but creates an essential exchange for students to enrich themselves and others through these services.

CUGB challenges students to be proactive with their resources and to place the theories we learn in the classroom, such as abstractions of solidarity and empowerment, through volunteerism. While these noble ideas are not easily realized, through CUGB, I am emboldened to contribute even just a small part to the more cooperative nature of public work.