Washington and Lee University
Last summer I had the opportunity to work in Lexington, Va., at the Rockbridge Area Free Clinic. As I traveled into this unknown area and arrived in Lexington, I began to wonder what I had gotten myself into as I realized how quaint this town actually was. Then came the day that I was to begin my internship at the clinic. Not realizing what a rewarding experience working at the clinic would be, I walked through the door and was immediately whisked away into my first Tuesday morning staff meeting. Following introducing myself to the staff at the meeting and acclimating myself with the various departments, my "tour guide," Ms. Lynn Foster, informed me that I was now a part of the clinic family and I was no longer "new." As the summer continued, I was pleasantly accepted as a staff member and gained friendships with the clients and staff at the clinic that made the internship experience much more gratifying.
Working at the clinic last summer taught me that illnesses and diseases do not see color, and the healthcare system in America is failing. I came to the realization during this internship that I want to work hard to make healthcare more accessible to those who are underinsured, uninsured and do not have the means to receive medical treatment. Even with the healthcare reform changes that will be made, there is still going to be a large amount of the population in the United States, that will not receive the adequate access to healthcare they require. As I continue on my path in hopes of becoming a hospital administrator, I will make it my priority and duty to make healthcare available to all in the United States. This internship encouraged me to become more aware of others' needs so that we can become a better society together.