Alumni Interview with Alicia Podwojniak

What inspired you to travel abroad? 

Around winter break of last year, my friend asked if I would go with her on one of those overseas medical missions. In fact, going abroad for this purpose had not crossed my mind until she brought it up. I was not sure that I wanted to go, with the thought that everything I could do abroad I could also do at home. I was not really "inspired" to go abroad until I began doing my research.

It was not until I came across IMA, which is incredibly unique because it takes you to Kenya, that I realized traveling to the other side of the world would most certainly not be anything like home. (Not to discredit the programs that take you to South America or Europe or Asia, as I'm sure they would be incredible and unique experiences as well.) There was something about Kenya, however, that inspired me to leave my comfort zone and take the 14-hour plane ride across the world to experience a completely different culture, climate, and society, and I am forever grateful that I did. 

Why did you choose International Medical Aid? 

When I was searching through programs to go abroad through, I noticed many of them were extremely pricey. I was a little bit weary about where all of the money was going, so I kept those programs on the back-burner. When I came across International Medical Aid, I noticed the term "non-profit", and learned that all of the money that did not go towards our stay and activities in Kenya became donations to the hospital that we volunteered at. This was the most important factor in my decision of which program to choose, as I wanted to make sure that the money was going towards somewhere that needed it. 

What was your favorite part about Kenya? 

Visiting Kenya was certainly the most rewarding place I have ever visited. It is a country filled with a bustling serenity, and although that seems to be an oxymoron, it is quite true. It is filled with a people that is hardworking, and filled with energy and excitement for each and every day. Our hosts, the people with whom we interacted in the hospital, and even random strangers were always smiling and excited to meet us. This was something that particularly stuck out to me. In the United States, we do not always treat foreigners with such a welcoming attitude. On the contrary, the openness and innate beauty of the land brought me a feeling of serenity. The natural and untouched vegetation of the countryside was unlike anything I had ever seen. It was this combination of humanity that I saw in everyone I met with the calming beauty of the land that made Kenya such an unforgettable country and rewarding experience. 

What made your experience abroad extraordinary? 

As I mentioned above, I truly believe the people who I met made my trip extraordinary. Many of the friends I made in the program (Maddie, Amber, Natalia, Asia, and Faith to name a few) truly helped make my experience amazing. To meet women who are so kind, generous, intelligent, empowering towards one another, and share similar goals to me was so inspirational. We were able to lift each other up in the tough times and enjoy the fun and sometimes silly memories together.

Further, the doctors and nurses at CPGH were so welcoming and eager to teach us. This was also inspiring because they had just met us and already seemed to have so much faith and confidence in our abilities to pursue our dreams as future medical professionals. In the United States, it can be hard to find a physician who gives the shadower so much confidence and attention simply due to time restraints and cultural differences (as compared to Kenya). Step-by-step throughout the procedures they would explain what they were doing, why they were doing it, and how it will help the patient. They explained the symptoms each patient presented with and even would quiz us at times to test what we had learned. It really felt amazing to have someone you just met believe in you so much.

Lastly, the people I met in the town also made a huge impact on my experience and my life. I specifically remember some of the children we met at the school explaining to us how if they could travel to anywhere in the world, they would pick the United States. They filled their imaginations with all of the opportunities, music, sports, arts, etc., that may be commonly seen in advertisements and the media. Although it is true that the US has so many opportunities and is a great place to live, my friend Amber and I explained to them that Kenya had so many things that the US lacked.

The children were in awe at this statement, eager to know what we were talking about. We explained to them that often times, people can be very disconnected with things such as nature, other people, or even their families—and this is a common occurrence due to social media, high pressures of jobs, etc. I told them how you may not even know my next-door neighbors' names. The children's jaws dropped in awe, and after a moment they said, "but we are all one family". This was something that really stuck with me. The culture shares a love of others and your community. It was this overall learning experience about the beautiful culture that made my trip so special. 

How did the local staff support you throughout your program? 

Our hosts, Phares and Bella, were incredible. From the moment we were picked up at the airport, to the constant guidance and education we received from them, I can honestly say that they are who made the trip run so smoothly. Bella served as not only our guide, but she also became a dear friend to many of us. She was able to relate on so many topics, taught us the "do's and don’ts" of the culture, and really helped us learn our way around. She was always there for us, whether on the phone or in person, but she was a very comforting presence. 

Phares was also incredible. His organization and promptness helped us get to the hospital on time, make sure we got the rotations we wanted, and even served as a point-of-contact after leaving Kenya. Without them, the trip would not have been the same. Wilson, our chef, was an amazing cook and also became a friend. He was so considerate of everyone's dietary restrictions and was able to cook food that was so delicious. He made sure that all meals were made and prepared in a timely manner and would even make extra dishes for people who were unable to make the eating times.

Lastly, I wanted to mention my appreciation for our housekeeper Rehema. Aside from the duties she performed at the house, including keeping it tidy and doing the laundry, Rehema was kind enough to show us her house and her family. Another example of the genuine kindness I experienced on this trip was through Rehema. She took us to her house during Ramadan, which is a strict fasting period for the Muslim religion. Although she and her family were unable to eat, they made sure to cook us a delicious, traditional Kenyan dinner, and sat with us to learn more about us. This further exemplifies the compassionate nature of the Kenyan culture. 

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad? 

The only thing I would have done differently would be to have stayed longer! Unfortunately I was only able to stay for two weeks because I started a summer class, but if I could go back, I would definitely stay longer. 

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like. 

We would wake up around 6:30 or 7:00/7:30 in the morning depending on the time of your hospital shift. After getting ready and of course, spraying with bug spray to avoid the pesky mosquitoes, we would go down to Wilson, the house's chef, who had prepared a delicious breakfast for us. Wilson always prepared fresh fruit, cereals, crepes, fresh juices, and more for us, so breakfast was always exciting. After eating, around 8:00, we would be picked up in our groups and taken to Coast Provincial General Hospital, where we would spend the rest of the morning.

Each week we were able to choose a different rotation to shadow in. During my first week, I chose surgery. This was a truly amazing experience as I was able to be in the operating rooms, or as they're called in Kenya "The Theatres," and observe several surgeries. To give an example, I was able to witness a craniotomy, and a left thoracic wall sarcoma excision in one day. This was both eye-opening and inspirational. The techniques and technology used are not always the same as what would be used in the United States, due to lack of equipment and resources, but certainly not due to lack of passion or knowledge in the surgeons. They were incredibly talented, intelligent, and passionate about their patients and also about teaching us. This showed as they constantly would ask us to get closer and tell us what they were doing. 

After a day of observing surgeries, around 1:00, we would return to the house for lunch and basically be free to do whatever we wanted for the rest of the day. Many of us would study, watch Netflix, or go to the nearby beaches or mall and sit at the nearby Cafe. Dinner would be around 5:00 or 6:00 and then we would wake up and do it again.

My second week was in the Emergency Room. Here, we would meet up with the nurses and begin our rounds for the morning, visiting each bed and getting a brief run-down of each patient, and their treatment plans. After rounds, we were able to chose a physician to shadow and be with them as they took on the new triage of patients who would come in. Some of the days, either after the hospital or on a weekend, we were so fortunate to have visited schools and have hygiene clinics, where we taught the children proper handwashing and toothbrushing techniques. Further, we were able to visit local markets and orphanages, which were also incredibly memorable and rewarding experiences. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad? 

I enjoyed being able to easily walk to the nearby beaches, as well as being able to easily take a taxi to the nearby mall and hangout at the nearby cafe. I made so many lifelong friends on my trip and was able to share these fun moments with them. It gave us a sense of independence and exploration on the trip. After our day at the hospital, we would look forward to this free time to explore the city and bond with our housemates. I am eternally grateful for this time spent with my new friends.

We also were given the option on some weekends to visit a safari, which I was unable to go to because of how short my stay was. I did, however, take the weekend trip to a nearby beach town, where we took a boat tour, snorkeled, visited historic ruins, and an incredible village called "Fisherman's Village." In this village, the people were so kind to show us how they live, how they mainly use fish as a food source, and play with the children. It was a community, but really it was one big family.

As we walked through the sandy village, we saw houses that were made of stick and cloth. At first, it brought me sadness, but as we continued to get deeper into the village the children all came out to follow us in awe at seeing such strangers; it was beautiful and humbling at the same time. The parents followed, eager to show us their lifestyle and share their culture. For this reason, the people of Fisherman's Village really stuck with me, I love to tell my friends and family about my experience there. 

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it? 

We stayed in a group house, with food and television and wifi included. This was very nice because it made us feel a bit of home while we were away. Also, after a long, sweaty day of no air conditioning in the hospital, it was nice to be able to come home to these comforts. Further, there was security around the house, which made us feel safe, which is very important. 

What is one thing every future participant should know about International Medical Aid before their program begins? 

I would tell a future participant to go into this trip with a completely open mind. The hospital will not be like the ones back home, and this may come as a shock to them. Nonetheless, they will learn so much about the hospital, the physicians, medicine, and most importantly, humanity. The people with whom you interact will teach you more about life, gratitude, and humanity than you would have ever known. 

Would you recommend International Medical Aid to others? Why? 

I would 100% recommend this program to others for several reasons:

1. Phares and Bella are incredibly organized and make the trip as safe and fun as possible. I know many people get concerned about safety on such trips but never once did I feel unsafe.
   
2. The hospital staff is so willing to teach—something that may be hard to find for pre-med students back home.
   
3. You will meet incredible people with similar goals and aspirations, who will become long time friends.
   
4. Kenya is such a unique country to visit. Many organizations take you a bit closer to home, but I would urge others to step out of their comfort zone. 
   

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is? 

I believe the biggest benefit to traveling abroad is being able to open your eyes to other cultures and other walks of life. There are so many different cultures across the world, even across the United States, and oftentimes we find ourselves becoming complacent in our thoughts and actions, and oblivious to other cultures. It is at those times especially when it becomes important to travel, with an open mind, to embrace the many beautiful ways of living. 

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life? 

As I have mentioned several times above, I learned so much from my trip with IMA. It's ironic because upon returning home, your friends and family applaud you for your "good deeds" and "selfless service" abroad. The truth is, I learned so much more from the people, the hospital, and the culture than I could have ever taught anyone. It was the greatest gift I ever received. I am not trying to discredit the amazing things we did, such as volunteer at the hospital, host clinics, provide supplies to an orphanage, etc. I am just trying to express how much they gave to me rather than what I gave to them. There are no words to describe how an experience like this will change your outlook on life and humanity. 

What does meaningful travel mean to you? 

Meaningful travel is about learning about the various cultures of the people who you meet. I was so fortunate to meet so many incredible people with whom I will keep in my heart forever and hope to see again.