By Rachel Bai
On my last evening in Mexico, I struggled through unfamiliar conjugations and scientific vocabulary as I drilled my project presentation with my Spanish tutor. I used to believe my Spanish was decent enough for a healthcare setting, but the longer I’ve stayed here, the more I’ve realized how little I know. I wasn’t sure if I had enough command of the language to give a 20 minute research presentation, and kept the fear at bay by practicing until my throat was dry. The next day, I felt like I could barely breathe as I helped my mentor set up a sheet and projector, and watched with sweaty palms as the La Casita research team filed into the tiny conference room. Then, as it does in moments of dread, time shoved me forward and I began to speak. I fumbled pronunciation and forgot phrases I had memorized the night prior. But as I corrected myself and took extra moments to rephrase sentences, I saw my research team members smile and nod encouragingly. All summer long, they had accommodated me – defaulting to broken English when they could, translating for me so I could participate in conversations, even using Google Translate upon noticing my confusion. These moments had flashed through my mind when my mentor had asked if I wanted to present in English, and made it all the more easier to choose to present in Spanish.
This summer, I have learned how cohort studies are run. I have learned how to use R Studio (a skill that I’ve long delayed) and how to write a scientific paper. Yet, I’ve come to realize that perhaps the most vital skill in global health work is not research-specific knowledge or even a medical degree, but the genuine desire to understand others across borders and language barriers. It is the ability to offer a smile and nod of encouragement, to accept that research might initially progress more slowly with a diverse team, and to embrace the patience needed when navigating different languages and backgrounds. I have received boundless patience from the team at La Casita this past summer, who have included me at every chance, taken time out of their busy schedules to provide explanations, and always showed kindness when I asked for a sentence to be repeated.
As I begin the data analysis portion of my project, I look fondly back on the community that I have been able to participate in, and I eagerly set my eyes forward on the prospect of not only finding a meaningful association between lead and cognition, but also leveraging the skills I have gained to advocate for policies that empower individuals both at home and abroad to lead healthy lives. Most of all I am eager to emulate the graciousness of my friends back at La Casita in all future global health work I pursue.
The team of nurses, scientists, project coordinators and doctors at La Casita.
A few of my team members gathered in the conference room for my presentation!
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