Service Over Spring Break

Madison Lively, a Biology and Psychology double major, and Caroline Glessner, a Chemistry major, met each other for the first time three years ago through Kappa Delta. Now as juniors, both are pursuing the pre-dental tract and have become close friends as a result of Kappa Delta and their similar career aspirations. Prior to attending UGA, Madison and Caroline both hoped to have the opportunity to go abroad and serve in countries where healthcare is not readily accessible. This spring break, they traveled to Cusco, Peru with MEDLIFE as volunteers in mobile clinics.

They both describe their trip as truly inspiring, providing them with unique experiences, knowledge, and memories that they will carry into their futures as aspiring dentists. While working in the mobile clinics, Madison and Caroline shadowed and assisted Peruvian physicians and dentists, recorded vitals, and helped pharmacists distribute and explain prescription medications to patients. They also supported MEDLIFE’s education mission by teaching children the importance of dental hygiene and how to correctly brush their teeth. Their volunteer work also included one day of service at a project site where they worked on home remodeling projects associated with MEDLIFE’s healthy homes campaign.

The week in Cusco also included two days of tourism, which Madison and Caroline enjoyed as a way to learn about the Peruvian culture. One day was spent at Carnaval with other members of the program. This festival is a joyful community celebration with music, dancing, and bright, traditional costumes held in the main plaza. The group also traveled to Machu Picchu, one of the new seven wonders of the world. Madison and Caroline encourage all students considering medicine or other health-related careers or those who are interested in service to attend a MEDLIFE trip, and they hope to travel to another mobile clinic site in the near future.