Ghana Scholarship
Suzanne Bruen ‘12 Nursing, BSN Traveled to Ghana in March 2012
In Ghana, I realized to effectively care for others I needed to take a step back, observe, and respect their cultural approach to medical care. By putting the patient first, I found that I was able to implement Ghanaian ways to augment what I knew from Western practice. I experienced a new “mindfulness,” one that combined two approaches, the known and the learned. Adhering to a new culture’s nursing practices reminds me that there are many ways to achieve success. In both cultures, we practice under professional guidelines, use our personal judgment, and use our our creativity in making sound decisions. I learn so much about myself through cultural immersion. The knowledge I gained from these opportunities will be with me throughout my personal and professional career.
I individually raised money to provide insurance to 35 families for one year. One of the families had a young boy unable to read the chalkboard in school because of poor vision. The health insurance we provided allowed him and his family the chance to obtain new prescription glasses. This will enhance his education and help him to excel in school.
I appreciate the opportunity to receive aid for this trip. Thank you so much for making these opportunities possible for me and my colleagues. Your generous funds made it easier for me to afford to continue my quest to learn and apply new health practices and leadership skills.
Madase Pa! (Thank you very much in traditional Ghanian Fanti, a tribal language).
Shayne Foley, MS, PA-S2 ‘12 Physician Assistant Studies Traveled to Ghana in March 2012
The most impactful moment I had was going for a group run prior to starting our first day in the clinic. As the sun came up over the coast, and the village began to wake up and prepare for the day ahead, we caught many a stare as we went running by (keep in mind that most native Ghanaians do not run for exercise there, and never mind we were a group of rarely seen Caucasians). As we ran by, the local people stared in a way that made me uncomfortable at first, but with a smile and a quick “Hello,” my smile was returned with shouts of “Akwaaba,” which translates to “Welcome.” After this, I truly did feel welcome, which made the entire trip that much more powerful.
The biggest lesson I learned in Ghana was that unselfish acts are sometimes the most enriching. I actually plan on returning next March, perhaps in a preceptor role this time. Through the Ghana Health Mission, I was not only able to be a part of a team that provided care to over 250 patients, but also I was able to experience something that I can confidently say is life-changing. Our team may have healed their bodies and minds, but I believe this trip helped to heal my soul. I will undoubtedly be returning.
The scholarship is critical for PA students, as our student loans do not have extra money allotted for such trips outside of our studies. This would have been a major consideration in my choosing to go to Ghana Health Mission or not, but thanks to the scholarship, much of that burden was lifted. My decision to go was much easier, and after having gone, I am now vowing to be a lifelong contributor to those who may be less fortunate than me.
The Ghana Health Mission was the most influential thing I have ever done. I feel so blessed to have been a part of something so special, and am enriched beyond what I ever imagined. I will be forever thankful for this opportunity.
Meagan Chandler ‘12 Nursing, BSN Traveled to Ghana in March 2012
A moment that stands out to me was when I was dressing a chronic wound on a patient’s lower leg. The wound was very large and most of the epithelial tissue was gone. The patient no longer had any functional use in his leg. What surprised me the most was that he had been dealing with this wound for 10 years! This made me step back and think just how much I take for granted living here in the U.S. I live in a society with such easy access to health care. I don’t have to travel hours and hours to get to a primary care health center. If I ever needed crutches, I wouldn’t have to make them myself. If I had an infected wound on my leg, I could easily get antibiotics for it and dressing supplies to keep it clean so that it would heal and go away without issue. This man had been living with this wound for 10 years! This was one of many examples that proved extremely humbling to me.
One the lessons I learned was to use the most of what you have. At the clinics, we had limited supplies, but no matter what, the team worked interprofessionally to use what we had to provide the most effective care possible. Along with using the most of what you have, just be thankful for what you do have. This trip proved very humbling to me and made me reevaluate some of my life priorities.
I want to thank the scholarship donor and the Kamm family for making this wonderful scholarship available. Without receiving help from this scholarship, I surely would not have been able to go. Also because of your generosity, I am able to go a second time this summer to experience another life changing journey! International aid and providing sustainable care to low resource areas has become a passion of mine and as a nurse, I hope to continue on this path for a long time. You have made one of my lifelong dreams a reality now.
I hope everyone who wants to experience the Ghana health immersion program is able to. For many, this scholarship has made that possible. This trip helped me to grow physically, spiritually, and emotionally both within my personal life and professional life as a nurse.
Christine Hill ‘12 Physical Therapy Traveled to Ghana in August 2011
I was able to visit Effia Nkwanta Western Regional Hospital and observe not only their facilities within the hospital but also the physiotherapy clinic affiliated with the hospital. While the facilities in comparison to the U.S. were not as up to date, the employees of the hospital were very resourceful. I was very impressed with the care that Ghanaians were receiving; it was an inspiration to see what they were able to do with so little available to them. We were also able to donate physical therapy supplies to the physiotherapists that were left over from our health mission. The reactions from the physiotherapists was worth more than the actual materials we shared with them. They were so appreciative that they gave us custom-made Ghanaian gifts as a thank you.
From the Ghanaians, I learned that no amount of material possessions can make you truly happy. Having a supportive family and community are what is an essential aspect to life there. Despite the fact that there is so little, this culture is rich in happiness. I am already trying to find a way back to this community and am researching other developing areas to travel to.
Nursing Scholarship
James Preo '15 Nursing
My aspiration to become a Nurse started during my first deployment to Iraq. I served as a Corpsman with a Marine Corps Rifle Battalion, responsible for treatment and transport of combat wounded patients to the Level II treatment facility. It was there that I had the privilege of observing the outstanding work that Navy Nurses provided to stabilize and save our combat-wounded warriors. Their compassion, skills and relentless dedication to patients inspired me. It was then that I set my sights on becoming a Navy Nurse.
I was selected by the United States Navy to attend nursing school and obtain my BSN from UNE. At the time of applying to the school, I knew nothing of Barbara. Later, I had discovered that she had been a Commissioned Naval Nurse Officer, specializing in psychiatry and social work, and a graduate from UNE as well. When I saw the scholarship created in her memory, I applied immediately.
There is a bond between US Navy Nurses and their Corpsmen that is unbreakable; this is what attracted me to the Kamm Scholarship. Being a non-traditional student, it was nearly impossible to find a scholarship out there that I actually qualified for. Attending this prestigious University would not have been possible for me without this scholarship. It has alleviated one of many outlying pressures for me so that I am able to focus more on my studies, my patient care, and my aspiration to follow in Barbara’s footsteps as a Navy Nurse. Thank you again for the opportunity and your trust in me to carry on her legacy.
Barrett Strout '08 Biology, '13 Nursing
I have been a member of the Maine Army National Guard for nine years holding a degree in biology with three years of health care experience in cardiovascular clinical research. While working in clinical research, I realized that I had a desire to pursue a career in nursing to have more direct patient care and focus more on patients with acute illnesses and/or traumatic injuries. A degree in nursing will provide me an opportunity to attain my personal and professional goals. Ultimately, I strive to become a critical care flight nurse and transport critical patients by Life Flight. Additionally, I also plan to continue serving within the military as part of the Army Nurse Corps for many years to come.
As a member of the military, I feel a connection to Barbara and her selfless service to this country as well as her patients. The Barbara Kamm scholarship provides me the financial support and opportunity to achieve a nursing education and continue on with my professional aspirations. With the support of the Kamm scholarship, I am able to attend the University of New England and will soon be serving and making a difference for my patients, my community, my state and my country, as did Barbara. I wholly appreciate the support provided by the Barbara Kamm scholarship and strive to continue her legacy.