Villagers appreciated our services

My biggest takeaway is understanding how much we take for granted and how lucky and privileged we are in life.

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Published: Thursday, 25 Apr 2024 Author: Valerie A. Carle Rivera

Students doing surgery in MexicoAbundance is not what we can touch, but what we can feel.

The Mazunte Project was a heartwarming experience. Every village had its charm. My favorite one was Santo Domingo. When we got there, the president sent a car with a megaphone around the village to announce our services. Around 10 minutes later we had approximately 40 animals lined up to sign up.

Villagers came from very far inside the rural parts of the village. This village spoke a different language than Spanish or English. It was amazing seeing how we managed to communicate. These challenges helped us develop the ability to communicate, adaptability, creativity, and patience. Additionally, it helped develop my surgery skills and boosted my confidence.MSU student sitting on the ground with a dog

It has been incredible learning about the different cultures and traditions in the different villages of Mexico. We saw the need for this type of project and how appreciative the community has been of our service.

My biggest takeaway is understanding how much we take for granted and how lucky and privileged we are in life.

Name: Valerie A. Carle Rivera
Status: Graduate
Major: Veterinary Medicine
Hometown: Puerto Rico
Program: The Mazunte Project in Mexico