Working with the Gift of Sight Humanity First team was a very humbling experience.  It was inspiring to see physicians and students take time out of their busy schedules for this noble cause. This entire experience has really put in perspective how blessed we are to be in a position to help those less fortunate. The more experienced members on the team did a tremendous job making new volunteers, such as myself, feel comfortable and important to the mission. This trip taught me that irrespective of your profession or age there really are no prerequisites needed for serving humanity.

With my less than mediocre ability to speak Spanish and let alone no Quiche dialect, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to fulfill my volunteer duties completely. Nevertheless, we walked into the clinic on day one past all the patients and what I saw besides countless smiles, were eyes full of hope. Hope, that brought a smile to my face and made me feel ever more purposeful for the mission. With the aide of translators, I was able to calm anxious patients and set up IVs with no trouble at all. The patients were all emotionally strong and made no complaints regarding any pre-operation procedures and approached their surgeries head on. In my few days spent here, I have experienced many remarkable things take place. Being able to see cataract surgery from start to finish under an ophthalmic microscope, really put things in “perspective.”

My experience thus far has literally been eye opening. I believe for me, this entire trip has been truly a remarkable journey in which I have gained invaluable lessons about life, people, and the importance of health care. It is rare for a pre-medical student to be in the position to aid such a group of underserved individuals in a medical mission. I am truly thankful to be in the beautiful country of Guatemala and hope to return again next year to serve those in need.

What I found most intriguing during the Gift of Sight eye camp was overcoming the language barrier. I worked as an assistant in the operating room at Salud y Paz for a Spanish speaking surgical technician from IPC. Despite our language barrier, we were able to communicate effectively and I was able to assist her with tasks throughout the surgery. Although it was a small detail from a packed experience, it had a great impact on me.

It was a great experience to be part of a medical team and to really learn how it is to be a doctor.  This was my first time being a part of Gift of Sight program. I was able to experience first-hand IV injections and observe surgeries during this eye camp. This fascinating trip has motivated me to learn Spanish and, hopefully, be a part of the team for next year too.

I am currently majoring in biological sciences at Arizona State University. This is my first time accompanying the Humanity First Gift of Sight team to Guatemala, and as a volunteer, I hope to assist with patient care and lend a helping hand where ever I can. I joined the Gift of Sight team in order to volunteer my time for a great cause and to witness the immediate impact physicians can have on a community lacking proper healthcare.

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I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and then completed my master’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of California Riverside. I currently work full-time as a research specialist in the Plant Pathology and Microbiology department studying fungal and bacterial infections on host fruit and nut plant species. My future goal is to pursue a career in the healthcare profession. I have been involved in numerous humanitarian projects including providing free health care to the underserved in Mexico and also to the homeless in the local community. I am excited to go on this trip as a volunteer to Guatemala to provide the gift of sight. I hope to be able to shadow surgeons in the operating room and participate to gain hands-on experience. Apart from the clinical aspect, opportunities like this make one humble and thankful‒I cannot wait to embark on this journey.

Idris Aziz, a pre-medical student from St. Louis Missouri is majoring in Biology with a particular interest in eye care/health. This is Idris’ first time volunteering with Humanity First and the Gift of Sight.  He is excited to make this trip abroad, learn more about optometry vs ophthalmology and to shadow Dr. Khan throughout surgeries.