Perspectives Summer/Fall 2016

COLLEGE OF HEALTH CARE SCIENCES • 7 What is most important to you about becoming a physician assistant? As a future practicing PA, I see an opportunity to serve communities that are in great need for primary health care. In particular is the migrant workforce, which is often situated in rural parts of the country. Most of these workers cannot afford health coverage or are ineligible due to their citizenship status. They also face great hazards and toxic exposure in the environment they work in, with increased risks of injury and fatalities. Furthermore, their continuity of care is disrupted due to their migratory lifestyle, and is essentially lost when they relocate for the next season. My goal is to work with existing coalitions that want to see a change in the existing patterns and provide essential health care needs to the people that drive our agriculture. It will take more than my efforts, but I’m looking forward to partnering with those who are eager to make a difference in the lives of others. How will this financial award help you in achieving your goals? This opportunity to be a recipient only motivates me even more to push harder and be grateful for the opportunity afforded to me while at NSU. It shows me that others believe in my potential to see my goals become reality, and I will continue to work fiercely to make them happen. It’s also important to understand that this is not only about me, but also about others who will one day be in my care under the capacity that I serve them. What has been your most valuable experience at NSU? I believe my most valuable experience was the mission trip to Guatemala our class was able to participate in toward the end of our first year. Being a part of a team that worked incredibly hard to reach remote regions of this beautiful country, it brought great joy to all of us when we arrived. The direct experience of seeing people hungry for basic health assessments and medications while at these villages truly moved me to pursue global medical relief in the future. It has made me aware of my surroundings, both physically and spiritually, and brought out a desire to give selflessly of myself in the service of others. Without the support of NSU and the Orlando Campus faculty and staff members, it would not have been a possibility. I am extremely grateful for everything that has been granted to me. n Albaro Lopez Perez Class of 2016 Orlando Campus Albaro Lopez Perez receives his endowment award recognizing his collaborative services to the community. Favorite Quote: “To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.”— Steve Prefontaine Life Principle: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”— 2 Corinthians 12:9