During my time in the DR, I learned a lot about differences between our culture and theirs. It came as a shock to see the way people live in third-world countries and made me sick to think of all the complaining we do as Americans with our standard of living. Being thrown into another culture and being surrounded by others I do not know very well put me far out of my comfort zone, which I typically do not like to leave. We showered in cold water, slept in huts that were crawling with bugs, and survived the heat that was all considered normal for the people living there.

       Because of this, my perspective on life has been changed forever. A week of discomfort for me was their everyday life. I now count my blessings more often and have a changed mindset when something in my life is not as planned. Comparing the inconveniences in my life to the Haitians who struggle to find clean water to drink let alone any water to shower with was extremely eye-opening for me. What possibly surprised me most, though, was the utter joy the people in this culture had. America is more materialistic that most places and that is beyond evident when visiting other less-fortunate countries. When walking around the community we set up the medical brigade in, the conditions were hard to see; people were living in filth and huts that were barely large enough to fit a bed, yet were housing 4-5 people-families. I remember looking around feeling sorry, but then seeing the faces of those in the community. Smiles were shared all around and no one was feeling sorry for themselves. The company of those around them was enough and that is inspiring to me.

       This experience absolutely changed my life. It helped me grow as a student who was eager to learn about drug abuse and behavior in other cultures, but most importantly, I grew as an individual.