Salud, a Spanish word for “health,” is a term that is often used to express good wishes and well-being. But for Neil Gajare, a student at the University of Pennsylvania, Salud holds a deeper meaning. It represents a community that has changed his life for the better.
Neil Gajare, a junior at UPenn, was born and raised in a small town in New Jersey. Growing up, he had always been passionate about academics and was determined to attend a top university. However, his journey was not without its challenges. Neil faced discrimination and prejudice due to his Indian heritage, and at times, he felt like an outsider in his own community.
But all of that changed when he joined Salud, a student-run organization at UPenn that focuses on promoting health equity and education in underserved communities. From the moment Neil walked into the first Salud meeting, he knew he had found his place.
Through Salud, Neil was able to use his passion for academics to make a positive impact in the world. He became part of a team that organized health fairs and workshops in low-income neighborhoods, providing free health screenings and education on important health topics. Neil was also involved in fundraising efforts to support local clinics and health centers in these communities.
One of Neil‘s most memorable experiences with Salud was during a health fair in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. As a fluent Spanish speaker, Neil was able to communicate with the community members and provide them with valuable information about their health. He recalls seeing the gratitude and relief on people’s faces when they received their test results and had their questions answered. It was a rewarding experience for Neil, knowing that he was making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
But Salud is not just about providing healthcare services. It is also about building relationships and creating a sense of community. Neil recalls how he was welcomed with open arms by the other members of Salud, who came from diverse backgrounds and cultures. He formed strong bonds with his fellow volunteers, and they became a support system for each other, both inside and outside of Salud.
Moreover, Salud also provided Neil with opportunities for personal and professional growth. He was able to develop his leadership skills by taking on various roles within the organization, such as event coordinator and fundraising chair. Through these experiences, Neil gained valuable skills that will undoubtedly benefit him in his future endeavors.
But what sets Salud apart from other organizations is its commitment to addressing social issues and promoting social justice. Neil was particularly impressed by Salud‘s efforts to combat anti-Semitism on campus. As a student of Indian heritage, he had faced discrimination himself, and he was deeply moved by Salud‘s dedication to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Salud organized workshops and discussions on campus to educate students about anti-Semitism and promote unity and understanding among different communities.
Neil is grateful to Salud for providing him with a platform to make a positive impact and for fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. He believes that Salud has not only changed his life but also the lives of countless individuals in underserved communities. Through Salud, Neil has found a purpose and a passion, and he is determined to continue making a difference in the world.
Salud is not just an organization; it is a community of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to promoting health equity and social justice. Neil‘s story is just one of the many positive experiences that Salud has brought to its members and the communities it serves. So, if you are a student looking to make a difference and find a sense of belonging, join Salud, and be part of something truly special. As Neil would say, “Salud has changed my life, and I am confident it will change yours too.”
