Bush Institute volunteers in Zambia

An update from Melanie, a sophomore Hunt Leadership Scholar on the pre-med track in Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences: Melanie with new friends in Zambia Just a few weeks ago, the most exciting thing I had planned for the summer was taking a General Chemistry II course in Dallas. Now I find myself in Zambia, an ocean away from the U.S., as a global health volunteer of the Bush Institute. I am helping to renovate a clinic and learn about cervical cancer from women at risk for the disease. In the blink of an eye, my summer plans changed and along with it, my perspectives of others and myself. What has amazed me about my experience in [...]

An update from Katie, a junior studying advertising and photography in Meadows School of the Arts: I have always wanted to be just like my mother. At every stage in my life I have looked to her for what to do, where to go and how to act. After visiting an orphanage outside of Livingstone, Zambia, I imagined what my life would be like without her. I never would have gone to the doctor as a kid because I was too scared of needles. My collection of inside jokes, memories and advice would be severely lacking, and most importantly, I would be without my role model, friend and hero. Many children in Zambia are not so fortunate.  There are more [...]

An update from Tyrell, a sophomore Hunt Leadership Scholar studying biochemistry and human rights in Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences: On the first day of our renovation at the Mosi Oa Tuny Clinic, the Zambians’ sense of gratitude toward us was almost overwhelming. Anything we needed – such as a helping hand to help steady a ladder, the Zambians kindly provided. At times, before I could even ask for help, someone was there to assist me. Eventually, I candidly asked Knox, a Zambian worker, “Why are you so friendly to strangers?” The next few minutes of our conversation were profound. According to Knox, our volunteer trip gave him and the other Zambian workers an opportunity to think and see [...]

An update from Prithvi, a junior Dedman College Scholar studying biochemistry and Spanish in Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences and finance in Cox School of Business: Many would consider me a well-exposed pre-medical student — the son of a primary care physician who’s spent summers working in hospitals from urban Detroit to rural Missouri. I thought those experiences and challenges gave my desire to become a physician purpose — but all of that changed in the two hours I spent in a small clinic at Livingstone General Hospital in Zambia where I visited as part of a Bush Institute delegation of global health volunteers. Nothing I have seen or experienced in health care has inspired me like this. Sitting [...]

An update from Katie, a junior studying advertising and photography in Meadows School of the Arts: When I was 13 I dreamt of being a professional ballerina; I danced every day and read Dance Magazine during math class at school. At that age, I believed, without question, that being a dancer was my path; however, life takes unexpected turns. When I started as a dance major at New York University, I never imagined I would one day transfer to Southern Methodist University to study advertising and photography.  And never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would join the George W. Bush Institute on a service trip to help combat cervical cancer in Livingstone, Zambia. Sisters in [...]