This post was one of the saddest I have had to write, as it is my last one. Although Argentina was not necessarily my first choice for the Plus3 Program, I would never trade this experience for the world. The bonds I have formed with people outside my business bubble are ones I will truly treasure for the rest of my life, and I am so glad I got to spend my two week with the most amazing group of people. From being ‘trauma-bonded’ from our horrific airport experience to traveling together, I am forever grateful.

While this trip gave me many friendships and memories to hold on to, it also taught me many lessons and things to take away. The first thing was honestly how much I take for granted back home. While traveling and learning at these various public hospitals, I realized just how lucky I have it. Now, while the healthcare system in the United States is far from perfect, I know that at least at home in Pittsburgh, I will never have to worry on whether or not the care I receive will be adequate or if they’ll even have enough resources to treat me. Recently, I had to go to the ER for a minor issue, but event then I required a couple labs and a full MRI. The entire process took no more than three hours before I was sent home, which can not be said for most hospitals in Argentina. Just looking at the ER at Hospital Parroissien, I knew that the group of people there would be sitting there for HOURS before even being looked at, leaving their issues to be untreated. I remember a doctor even said that oftentimes, these hospitals do not even have diapers to treat the newborns being delivered. So honestly, my biggest overall takeaway from this trip was to simply be more grateful, for the things I thought were ‘normal’ are considered luxuries elsewhere.

Another takeaway I had from this trip honestly contradicts the first. The theme of solidarity was rampant throughout our trip, as people from both public and private sectors emphasized that as an integral part of Argentine values. While some doctors we met emphasized the private sector as being ‘better’ due to the many more resources they had, others worked in both simply so that they could make a difference in people’s lives who have little to nothing. I think it was inspiring that even if someone could make a slight improvement to the state of someone’s wellbeing, even with very little, they would take very effort to do so. I think this is something lacking in the United States, because not everyone at home can afford visits to these hospitals like we can. I think that the concept of the public sector is honestly a very good one, as it caters to those who need it the most. The US has little fragments of this through Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP, but I feel like expanding these and following in the footsteps of a full sector would reap benefits for everyone, thus instilling solidarity.

This trip was one of the best in my life, and I am so sad to say goodbye, but I know that these are memories and people I would cherish forever! Adios!!