Editor's Note: This is the first post in the series "K∆N I Tell Your Story." Many in the community see sorority members as one singular group, and in part it is true because we are bonded together by our sorority. However, these stories aim to showcase the many unique passions my sisters have and the dedication and hard work they put forth to make their dreams a reality. They are amazing women I am so proud to call my friends :)
K∆N I Tell Your Story?
ALEXIS O’CONNELL
LSU KD | Incoming Sophomore | Pre-Medical
Hometown: Mandeville, La
As a freshman in college with an interest in the medical field, I was naturally drawn to the health care aspect of poverty. Coming to college I realized I was naïve to the conditions some people live in, not only in foreign lands, but within our own country and even in Baton Rouge. Knowing there were so many people in need, I was frustrated. I wanted to make a difference.
I began to consider, what would be my role in alleviating the worlds’ suffering?
One day in Free Speech Alley as I was supporting my own sorority philanthropy, I overheard several girls discussing their medical mission trip to Honduras. I couldn't help but ask if I could get involved. The next thing I know I'm on a flight to Tegucigalpa.
I boldly pursued the opportunity to join Global Brigades and travel with the Global Medical Brigade, one of nine types of brigades the program leads. The entirely student-led organization traveled with a mission to bring health care to an under-served community in Honduras.
We were responsible for collecting and transporting all of the medicine, medical supplies and medical professionals. During our mission, Global Brigades also works to teach community leaders how to maintain facilities and prevent and treat illnesses with homeopathic practices.
There were six types of medical stations involved in the mission trip. I was able to work with each one and gain hands-on experience with patients as I observed and assisted the doctors, pharmacists and dentists.
I learned so much about the unsanitary and hazardous health conditions people are living in that cause common illnesses. I returned from my mission as an advocate for the Global Brigades program with a passionate desire to change these peoples’ circumstances.
I plan to make the trip again next year, hopefully in the Public Health Brigades sector. I would also like to start my own Water Brigades chapter at LSU.
I'm not exactly sure which direction I'm headed with schooling or my future. However, seeing the indelible impact that I can make on so many families in one week made me realize that healthcare is my path to healing the world, one patient at a time.
Thankfully, the support of Kappa Delta Sorority and many other friends and organizations enabled our team to purchase and supply the mission trip with medical supplies this year. I hope that in the future we will harness even more support for our mission trip and spread awareness for this cause. If you would like to know more about Global Brigades or help in any way, please contact me, Alexis O’Connell at [email protected]
K∆N I Tell Your Story?
ALEXIS O’CONNELL
LSU KD | Incoming Sophomore | Pre-Medical
Hometown: Mandeville, La
As a freshman in college with an interest in the medical field, I was naturally drawn to the health care aspect of poverty. Coming to college I realized I was naïve to the conditions some people live in, not only in foreign lands, but within our own country and even in Baton Rouge. Knowing there were so many people in need, I was frustrated. I wanted to make a difference.
I began to consider, what would be my role in alleviating the worlds’ suffering?
One day in Free Speech Alley as I was supporting my own sorority philanthropy, I overheard several girls discussing their medical mission trip to Honduras. I couldn't help but ask if I could get involved. The next thing I know I'm on a flight to Tegucigalpa.
I boldly pursued the opportunity to join Global Brigades and travel with the Global Medical Brigade, one of nine types of brigades the program leads. The entirely student-led organization traveled with a mission to bring health care to an under-served community in Honduras.
We were responsible for collecting and transporting all of the medicine, medical supplies and medical professionals. During our mission, Global Brigades also works to teach community leaders how to maintain facilities and prevent and treat illnesses with homeopathic practices.
There were six types of medical stations involved in the mission trip. I was able to work with each one and gain hands-on experience with patients as I observed and assisted the doctors, pharmacists and dentists.
I learned so much about the unsanitary and hazardous health conditions people are living in that cause common illnesses. I returned from my mission as an advocate for the Global Brigades program with a passionate desire to change these peoples’ circumstances.
I plan to make the trip again next year, hopefully in the Public Health Brigades sector. I would also like to start my own Water Brigades chapter at LSU.
I'm not exactly sure which direction I'm headed with schooling or my future. However, seeing the indelible impact that I can make on so many families in one week made me realize that healthcare is my path to healing the world, one patient at a time.
Thankfully, the support of Kappa Delta Sorority and many other friends and organizations enabled our team to purchase and supply the mission trip with medical supplies this year. I hope that in the future we will harness even more support for our mission trip and spread awareness for this cause. If you would like to know more about Global Brigades or help in any way, please contact me, Alexis O’Connell at [email protected]