Volunteering with AYUDA changed my perspective on life and what
I already knew about diabetes and camping. Seeing the children at
Campo Amigo—some of whom do not even have access to a proper supply
of insulin at home—has challenged me to take full advantage of the
tools and resources I have available in my diabetes care and life
overall.
Thinking back on my experiences at Campo Amigo, I recall a particular
afternoon that made a lasting impression on me. After I had spent
so much time during the week as the leader teaching them about diabetes,
my campers got to assume the leading role when they convinced me
that I just HAD to play soccer. We all had a few good laughs as
the ball confused and tripped my feet or I would accidentally kick
it in the wrong direction. Each camper enjoyed trying to teach me
his own favorite trick with the ball, or how to kick it properly,
and it was clear that they really enjoyed being in that role and
teaching me something they were passionate about. By the end of
the hour, everyone was tired, but happy, and for just a little while,
no one was thinking about diabetes. Though it was a fleeting and
seemingly inconsequential moment in the blur of action that was
Campo Amigo, I will always remember the camaraderie and all-around
happiness and smiles bringing Grupo 6 together that afternoon.
My experiences volunteering at Campo Amigo Ecuador and Camp Honeybee
in Bermuda reinforced my passion for medicine. I had always thought
I might like to be an endocrinologist, but was not sure if I wanted
to live and work the disease. Seeing the lack of education across
the globe, however, from the underprivileged of Ecuador to the developed
country of Bermuda, about the reality and challenge of living with
diabetes has inspired me to not waste my knowledge and understanding.
