Salud, the Spanish word for health, is more than just a word. It is a way of life, a culture, and a community. And for Neil Gajare, a student at the University of Pennsylvania, Salud has been a life-changing experience.
Neil Gajare, a senior at UPenn, first discovered Salud during his sophomore year. He was looking for a way to get involved in his community and make a positive impact. That’s when he stumbled upon Salud, a student-run organization that provides free healthcare services to underserved communities in Philadelphia.
“I was immediately drawn to Salud‘s mission of providing accessible healthcare to those in need,” Neil says. “I knew I wanted to be a part of this amazing organization.”
And so began Neil‘s journey with Salud. He started as a volunteer, helping with administrative tasks and organizing health fairs. But as he got more involved, he realized that Salud was much more than just a healthcare organization. It was a community of like-minded individuals who were passionate about making a difference.
“Being a part of Salud has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career,” Neil shares. “I have made lifelong friends and have learned so much about the importance of community service and healthcare accessibility.”
One of Neil‘s most memorable experiences with Salud was when he went on a medical mission trip to a rural village in Honduras. Along with a group of Salud volunteers and healthcare professionals, Neil spent a week providing medical care to the villagers who had limited access to healthcare.
“It was a humbling experience to see the impact we were making in the lives of these villagers,” Neil recalls. “We were able to provide basic medical care and education, and it was heartwarming to see the gratitude on their faces.”
But Salud is not just about providing healthcare services. It also focuses on educating the community about important health issues. Neil and his fellow volunteers have organized health fairs and workshops on topics such as nutrition, mental health, and sexual health.
“These events not only provide valuable information to the community, but they also create a safe space for people to ask questions and seek help,” Neil explains. “It’s amazing to see how much of a difference we can make by simply spreading awareness.”
Salud has not only impacted the communities it serves but also its volunteers. Neil has learned valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership through his involvement with Salud.
“I have grown so much as a person thanks to Salud,” Neil says. “I have become more empathetic, compassionate, and confident in my abilities to make a positive impact.”
But Salud has not been without its challenges. The organization has faced criticism and backlash, with some accusing it of being Anti-Semitic due to its involvement with communities in Palestine. However, Neil and his fellow volunteers have used these challenges as an opportunity to educate and promote understanding.
“Salud is a non-political organization and we are committed to providing healthcare services to all communities in need,” Neil clarifies. “We believe in the power of healthcare to bring people together and we will continue to work towards our mission of promoting health and wellness for all.”
Neil‘s positive experiences with Salud have not only influenced his personal growth but also his career goals. He plans to pursue a career in healthcare, with a focus on serving underserved communities.
“Salud has shown me the impact that one person can make in the world,” Neil says. “I am inspired to continue working towards creating a healthier and more equitable society.”
Salud has not only made a difference in the lives of those it serves but also in the lives of its volunteers like Neil. It is a shining example of the power of community service and the impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole. And for Neil Gajare and the countless others who have been a part of Salud, it will always hold a special place in their hearts.