Welcome back Liz!

Liz in South Korea
BAHS welcomes back senior Lizmeidy Hernandez after spending a semester abroad in South Korea. Before jumping into a hectic semester took the time to answer some questions for BioSynthesis
Liz explores Japan.

What was your favorite part of the experience? 
My favorite part was definitely the people. I met people from all over the world, even someone who visited North Korea. I had the chance to converse with them about their country and some of the situations that appear in the news. I don’t think it is possible for anyone to understand conflict in specific countries without talking to its people. I roomed with two Korean students who now mean the world to me. They opened their arms to a complete stranger and even introduced me to their parents. The Korean culture is completely different than mine. It was refreshing and intriguing to have Koreans explain their society and the division from North Korea.

Liz in HongKong
What is something new that you learned?
I went to South Korea knowing close-to-nothing about North Korea, except about the missile threats you hear about on the news. I learned about the lives of the North Korean people and the intense leader and party propaganda the country is bombarded with. I learned about the songbun caste system used in North Korea.  The caste is based on family history and devotion to the Party. People don’t really know what class they belong to. Some get a hint of what class they are in when their kids do not get accepted to college, as acceptance to college is largely based on songbun class.

How has this experience changed you?
I feel more confident and more comfortable in my own skin. I have become a better listener and public speaker.  I have learned what I value in life and have reflected on how to live life happily in the years to come.

Do you recommend study abroad to others? 
I wish everyone had the chance to study abroad. It is truly a life-changing experience that lets you learn more about yourself and challenges you to get out of your comfort zone. It gives you a chance to show your true self by diving into a completely different environment where no one knows who you are. Studying abroad lets you explore breath-taking places and learn things you can’t read about in the classroom.

Popular posts from this blog

Internship Experience for Medical Imaging Majors

Image
BAHS medical imaging majors gained valuable experience with various imaging technologies  during internships at Geisinger Health System.   Intern Ashley Wilkins  reports: "I  have been able to see so much in the Radiology field. I have observed general diagnostic radiology, MRI, CAT scan, and ultrasound. I have seen x-rays of different body parts, especially of the chest. I have also seen numerous MRIs of the brain and spine and CAT scans of the chest and abdomen. Lastly, I have seen many pregnancy ultrasounds. My favorite part of the internship is being able to start learning early. I definitely recommend this internship to other students. It is a great way to become more familiar with the type of environment you will work in during your career. It is also  a jump start to your learning, because you get to see so much and you have the opportunity to ask questions. " Intern Xiang Liao states .  "I learned how to position patients, collimate ...
Read more

Penn State Primary Care Scholars Program

Image
The Penn State College of Medicine Primary Care Scholars’ Program is an exceptional opportunity for those who are interested in attending medical school and specializing in primary care. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s program will be held virtually and will kick off the week of  May 17, 2021  followed by a series of evening sessions over the weeks that follow.  The Primary Care Scholars’ Program will include discussions on topics such as medical care, primary care, medical school admissions, and the medical school’s curriculum.  Participants will have opportunities to interact with medical students and faculty, and to learn about the philosophy and practice of primary care within the disciplines of family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. The format will include large group presentations, small discussion groups, panel discussions with medical students, individual application consults, and a sample problem based learning session....
Read more

Heather Detwiler studies abroad in Australia

Image
Heather Detwiler , a B.S. Health Sciences major in the pre-accelerated nursing major, received a BU Professional Experience Grant to study abroad in Australia during the summer through at program at the University of Canberra.  She conducted research on the prevalence of concussions in youth populations in conjunction with the Australia Institute of Sport. Her work focused on the treatment and prevention of concussions in youth soccer players, a field that has not received much attention. Concussions are associated with long-term neurocognitive impairment. Australia has a higher prevalence rate for concussions among youth soccer players, perhaps since heading the ball during games and practices is allowed.  Heather's study compared the differences between youth soccer concussion treatment and prevention methods between Australia and the United States. During her stay in Australia, Heather had the opportunity to travel, visiting Melbourne, The Great Ocean Road, Canberra, Sydney...
Read more