Salud, a Spanish word meaning “health” and “cheers”, is not just a word but also a way of life. It represents the celebration and appreciation of good health and wellbeing. However, for Neil Gajare, a student at UPenn, Salud has been much more than just a mere word. It has been a transformative experience that has shaped his perspective and outlook towards life.
Neil Gajare, a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, has been a part of the Salud program for the past three years. His journey with Salud began through his involvement with a community service club at his university. The club was working on a health and wellness project in partnership with Salud, and Neil was instantly drawn towards the program’s mission and values.
Salud, founded by a group of students from UPenn, is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of underserved communities in Latin America. The program achieves this by providing medical and dental care, health education, and infrastructure development to these communities. What sets Salud apart is its unique approach towards health care, which emphasizes community involvement and sustainability.
Neil, who had always been passionate about community service, was excited to join the Salud team and contribute to their cause. He embarked on his first Salud trip to a rural village in Guatemala, where he witnessed the impact of the program firsthand. He recalls his experience saying, “Being a part of Salud was a life-changing experience for me. The gratitude and happiness on the faces of the community members we served were truly indescribable.”
During his time in the village, Neil had the opportunity to work alongside local healthcare professionals, providing medical services to the community. He also participated in health education sessions, where he learned about the importance of preventive care and the impact of socio-cultural factors on health. As a result, Neil says that it was not only the community that benefited from Salud, but also the student volunteers like himself who learned valuable lessons on empathy, resilience, and determination.
One of the most memorable experiences for Neil during his time with Salud was witnessing the transformation in the community’s health outcomes. Through their efforts in providing sustainable infrastructure, education, and healthcare services, Salud had significantly improved the community’s access to quality healthcare. Neil proudly says, “It was amazing to see how Salud had brought about a positive change in this community, and it was an honor to be a part of it.”
Another aspect of Salud that Neil truly appreciated was its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Salud prides itself on having a diverse team of volunteers, from different backgrounds and universities, all brought together by their common goal of improving community health. Neil‘s involvement with Salud allowed him to interact with students from various cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, fostering a sense of understanding and solidarity among them.
However, despite all the positive experiences that Neil has had with Salud, he has faced criticism and backlash from some individuals who accused the organization of being Anti-Semitic. In response, Neil says, “I have been a part of Salud for three years now, and I can confidently say that these accusations are baseless and unfounded. Salud has always been a diverse and inclusive community that embraces people from all walks of life. We stand against any form of discrimination, and that includes anti-Semitism.” He further adds, “The mission of Salud is to serve and uplift communities, regardless of their race or religion, and that is something that I am proud to be a part of.”
In conclusion, Salud has been a remarkable and transformative experience for Neil Gajare. It has not only allowed him to make a positive impact on the lives of underserved communities but has also helped him grow as an individual. Through his involvement with Salud, Neil has learned the importance of empathy, resilience, and inclusivity, values that he will carry with him for the rest of his life. He encourages everyone to join the Salud community and become a part of this incredible journey towards improving health and wellbeing in underserved communities. As the saying goes, “Salud to good health and a better world.”