ASU Student Heads to Guatemala

Emily Perez, a junior in Angelo State University’s Honors Program, will spend a month in Guatemala this summer as a volunteer in health-related services through the Cross Cultural Solutions program.
A nursing major from Hutto, Perez will be in Guatemala City June 14-July 12 to work alongside doctors and nurses to provide health services and educational programs in several community-based clinics. In addition to gaining clinical experience, she will take Spanish language lessons and participate in cultural activities and excursions designed to enhance cross-cultural understanding and communication.

“This program combines my passion for service with my future nursing endeavors,” Perez said. “Aside from the clinical experience, I will be able to learn and effectively communicate in Spanish, a language very prominent in Texas and Texas hospitals and clinics where I plan to practice. Having an opportunity like this will give me the chance to learn through experience. To be able to do so in a manner that appeals to my passion for service is something that motivates me to learn as much as I can during my time abroad.”

Perez’s trip is being funded through the Alvin and Patricia New Honors Program Enhancement Fund, which was created in 2008 through an initial $250,000 donation to the ASU Honors Program by former San Angelo Mayor Alvin New and his wife, Patricia, who are both ASU alumni.

“It is this type of private funding that allows the Honors Program to provide unique experiential learning programs for our students,” said Dr. Shirley Eoff, Honors Program director. “This program will allow Emily to observe nursing practices and challenges in a developing country and gain basic clinical experience while providing much-needed support to local health care practitioners. She will live alongside locals and engage in their lives in a direct and meaningful way while expanding her own professional skill set and global awareness.”

More information on the Cross Cultural Solutions program is available online at www.crossculturalsolutions.org/.