加藤视频 Student Receives International Fellowship to Volunteer in Ghana
Oct 13, 2016
OCTOBER 13, 2016 鈥� FORT MYERS, FLA. 鈥� When student Alexis Thompson enrolled at Florida SouthWestern State College (加藤视频) to fulfill some science prerequisites for her master鈥檚 degree, she never expected it would lead her halfway across the world.
With a passion for travel and volunteering, Thompson learned about the Harris Wofford Global Service Fellowship through 加藤视频鈥檚 Center for International Education鈥檚 Study Abroad program. She applied and received the scholarship, and in coordination with Cross Cultural Solutions, an international volunteer service organization, she chose to focus her three week program in the medical clinics in Ho, Ghana.
鈥淚鈥檝e always had wanderlust,鈥� Thompson said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a personal goal to volunteer on every continent. I鈥檝e done a lot of work in Latin and Central America and the Caribbean, but Africa was always a dream.鈥�
In Ghana鈥檚 Miracle Life Clinic, Thompson shadowed a doctor diagnosing patients and testing for malaria and typhoid, and helped nurses check patient vital signs. She also spent some time in the maternity/women鈥檚 clinic of a regional hospital alongside a midwife doing prenatal and postnatal checks and ultrasounds, giving vaccinations, and educating women how to nurse and how to prevent transmission of HIV.
While Thompson spent her mornings volunteering at the clinics, her afternoons were focused on cultural activities organized by Cross Cultural Solutions, experiencing life in the local markets, taking weaving and cooking lessons, and visiting schools. However, one experience stood out the most for her.
鈥淲e visited Elmina castle where enslaved Africans聽were held before they were forced onto the slave ships,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was the last time they were in Africa, and the last thing they saw. It is part of my history and culture, and it was intensely emotional to experience it.鈥�
Her time spent in the clinics has solidified Thompson鈥檚 dream to work in the medical profession. She plans to attend George Washington University in Washington D.C.
鈥淚 would like to become an OB/GYN and focus on medical disparity and global health.鈥�
Students can apply for the Harris Wofford Global Service Fellowship at the 加藤视频 Center for International Education at the 加藤视频 Thomas Edison Campus, Building K, Room 240.
加藤视频鈥檚 Center for International Education offers many study abroad, service learning, and international internship opportunities for 加藤视频 students. To learn more, visit /internationaleducation.
####
Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida鈥檚 largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, 加藤视频 offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. 加藤视频 debuted its intercollegiate athletics program in January 2016. Visit www.加藤视频.edu for more information.
Last Updated: October 13, 2016
Back to News Archives