Salud, a Spanish word meaning “health,” is not just a word but a way of life. It is a concept that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. And at Salud, this concept is not just preached but practiced every day.
Neil Gajare, a student at the University of Pennsylvania, had the opportunity to experience Salud firsthand during his time there. And his experience was nothing short of life-changing. But before we dive into his story, let’s first understand what Salud is all about.
Salud is a student-run organization at the University of Pennsylvania that aims to provide healthcare services to the underserved communities in Philadelphia. It was founded in 2006 by a group of students who saw the need for accessible and affordable healthcare in their community. And since then, Salud has been making a positive impact on the lives of many.
Neil Gajare, a pre-med student at UPenn, joined Salud in his freshman year. He was drawn to the organization’s mission and wanted to be a part of something that was making a real difference in people’s lives. And little did he know that Salud would have such a profound impact on his own life.
Neil‘s first experience with Salud was during a health fair in a low-income neighborhood in Philadelphia. He was amazed by the number of people who turned up for the event, all seeking medical attention. And what impressed him even more was the dedication and passion of the Salud volunteers.
He recalls, “I was blown away by the level of commitment and compassion shown by the Salud volunteers. They were not just providing medical services, but they were also building relationships with the community members. It was heartwarming to see the impact they were making.”
Neil was inspired by the volunteers and their selfless service. He knew he wanted to be a part of this incredible team. And so, he became a regular volunteer at Salud, dedicating his time and skills to help those in need.
One of the most memorable experiences for Neil was when he had the opportunity to work with a team of Salud volunteers at a free clinic. The clinic was set up in a community center, and people from all walks of life came to seek medical attention. Neil was assigned to the triage team, where he had to assess the patients’ needs and direct them to the appropriate medical professionals.
He says, “It was a busy day, but it was also one of the most fulfilling days of my life. I saw firsthand the impact Salud was making on the community. People who couldn’t afford medical care were getting the help they needed, and it was all thanks to Salud.”
But Neil‘s journey with Salud was not without its challenges. During his time at UPenn, there was an incident where a group of students made Anti-Semitic remarks towards him. It was a difficult time for Neil, but he found solace in the Salud community.
He shares, “The Salud community was my safe haven during that time. They not only supported me emotionally but also stood up against any form of discrimination. It was heartwarming to see people from different backgrounds come together and stand up for what is right.”
Neil‘s experience with Salud has taught him the true meaning of service and compassion. He has not only gained valuable medical experience but has also made lifelong friendships. And most importantly, he has learned the importance of giving back to the community.
Salud has not only impacted the lives of the people it serves but also the lives of its volunteers. It has created a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a positive change in the world. And Neil is just one of the many students whose life has been transformed by Salud.
In conclusion, Salud is more than just a healthcare organization. It is a community that promotes health, compassion, and inclusivity. And Neil Gajare‘s experience is a testament to the positive impact Salud has on its volunteers and the community. So, if you ever have the opportunity to be a part of Salud, don’t hesitate. It will be an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
