My name is Mario Tarasco and I'm a junior year premedical student going for a degree in Biology at the Rochester Institute of Technology. After which I intend on going to medical school. Everyone knows that getting into medical school is difficult and most schools want you to have some kind of medical experience. Sure, no problem, right? Wrong. It's very difficult to get medical experience in the US as rules and regulations often prevent you from actually working with patients until you are licensed or certified.
But there is a way! Elective Africa is a beautiful African based organization that provides just such opportunities for premedical, nursing, midwife and other health (pre)professionals. Elective Africa not only places you in fantastic medical internships but also gives you first hand experience with both patients and doctors alike.
More than just the medical experience, however, is what I will be getting on a personal level and what it enables me to give on a community level. I've always had a strong desire to work with those in need and this is my chance to really make a difference. While in Mombasa, I will not only be working in a hospital setting, working directly with patients in need but also will be working in the community. I will have the oppotunity to work on projects to build better lives for the people of Mombasa and create something lasting for a people in need.
What We Need & What You Get
Unfortunately, trips to Africa are not free and as a college student with a plan to go to medical school, I'm looking at some steep debt. The median education debt for 2012 medical-school graduates was $170,000, not inlcuding interest. But that's ok because I know this is what I want, and am meant, to do! Of course, if I'm able to fundraise for this trip, that's just one less future expense, one less loan and one more great opportunity for me to do good in this world.
No matter what happens I'm going to be in Mombasa this winter. I've already comitted to and reserved my spot: the decision is final. However, raising funds for this trip means I won't have to take out another loan or put it on another credit card. It also means I get to make a difference in people's lives.
Elective Africa has very affordable pricing and offers some amazing experiences for what they charge. At just $2,600 for four weeks, this program is a great deal. Of course, that doesn't cover airfare (around $1,500) or certain food and travel expenses. No matter how much I raise, even if it's only $5, it's all going to help me help others. If I happen to raise over my goal, the remainder will be donated to the hospital at which I will be working.
There are so many people who talk about going to Africa or at least donating to some organization. While many of those people and groups are well-intentioned, it can be hard to actually donate because it can be difficult to know exactly where your money is going and who or what is actually benefiting. Donating to a program like this, helping to fund a trip like this, is something you can do to directly make a difference. Perhaps you have always wanted to volunteer in Africa but have never been able? Perhaps you want to donate to some organization but aren't sure where the money goes? Well this is your chance to help someone who can and is going; and to make an impact yourself! Your dollars are directly helping people in need!
The Impact
I think the impact is clear: helping those most in need while simultaneously helping to build my skills and to become the best doctor I possibly can.
After working for the past three years in a volunteer capacity doing basic first aid for underserved people in the United States I can only say my desire to help has grown stronger. I feel privileged to have worked with these populations and now I want to take my energy and enthusiasm to Mombasa, Kenya where it is much needed.
If you can't donate, no problem! You can help spread the word by sharing my story with others.
