By Pooja Kirplani.
My first interaction with snow and D.C.
My story of transformation started from the day I received the email confirming my participation in the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (UGRAD). I, Pooja Kirplani, had never been too excited about the prospect of getting my nose out from my books. Since I am a student of medicine, I strongly felt that the best use of time was being buried in books. But the spring of 2015 was the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Before I knew it, I was in Washington D.C. with snow all around me. Travelling from Karachi, the temperature drop from 24 degree Celsius to -8 degree Celsius was the first big shock – and the dawn of realization – that the next four months were going to be different, but exciting. After all, there is no time, age, or any sort of limit to creating new memories.
I was placed in Utica College, New York – the melting pot – where I found people just like me, and also, the complete reverse. The four months of studying in a completely different environment, travelling for miles alone, planning events with a culturally diverse group, and managing time and money on my own helped me to discover that I could be more than just buried in books. To be a student of medicine means more than that. For this realization I have two wonderful souls to thank: Pastor Jim and Doctor Pylman.
A typical Sunday at the Church
Pastor Jim taught me the true essence of volunteerism. Going every Sunday to help pack up the food that was distributed among the underprivileged with Pastor Jim, Mrs. Kim, and the neighbors gave me time to reflect on the snowball effect of our actions. My task, seemingly menial, was going to spread smiles. The feeling of achievement from selflessly giving back to others has truly stuck with me.
The last day of the internship with Dr. Pylman
Dr. John Pylman, on the other hand, was the man who gave me the chance to witness how medicine works in reality. After passing an oral exam with Dr. Pylman to be accepted for the internship, had the unique opportunity to learn about the top-of-the-line, cutting edge medical technology used in hospitals in the United States. For 15 days, from seven in the morning until one in the afternoon, I interned at St. Luke Faxton Hospital, followed by a full afternoon of college classes, and then several hours of after-college club activities. The key takeaway? Keep on pushing yourself to be the best version of you.
For me managing all of this on top of my classes at the college and the occasional homesickness was not easy. But it surely helped me realize that I can actually multi-task, even as a student of medicine. I am proud to mention that I am now heading the volunteer-based teaching program by The Citizen Foundation at DOW Medical College. I have been actively engaged in developing the curriculum and excited to spread the light of education – and smiles – that give me the power and motivation to continue helping myself by helping others.
