I know I have only been here for two days, but today really gave me a chance to open my eyes. Early in the morning, we visited a small clinic that serves as a primary care center for many people in the surrounding area. The clinic operated with volunteers, doctors, pediatricians, and dentists, although they explained that they currently did not have a dentist because they were unable to find one. Even before arriving, I was already taking a lot in during the drive over. I noticed many homes surrounded by fenced and barbed wire, along with large numbers of stray dogs and cats throughout the area. Seeing those conditions firsthand made me reflect on how fortunate I am to be where I’m at; it almost felt surreal at times, and I found myself thinking deeply about the lives of people living there and the challenges they may face every day.
While at the clinic, I became friends with two students from Austral University who volunteered to help guide us throughout the day, one is in the cover picture second to the left, Fran. They were incredible welcoming and very nice, they gave us recommendations on places to have a good time, explore, eat, and really experience the city. We changed numbers, joked around, and taught each other some of the different lingo and slang from our cultures. Those conversations honestly ended up being one of my favorite parts of the day because they reminded me how easy it is to connect with people despite coming from different backgrounds.
Later, we toured Austral University and listed to a presentation from Gabriel, a member of the hospital’s board of directors. One thing that really shocked me was when he explained that staying overnight in the hospital could cost somewhere between $500-$1000 in the private sector. Compared to the United States, that number seemed incredibly low. Recently, I personally spent two nights in a hospital back home, and the total cost was far far beyond that. At the same time, even though healthcare in Argentina is significantly cheaper, many people still struggle to afford quality care, especially depending on where they live and what resources are available to them. That really helped me understand how income inequality impacts healthcare delivery in a different way than it does in the United States. Even when costs are lower, access and quality can still vary greatly depending on socioeconomic conditions.
One moment that especially stuck with me was when I asked Gabriel a question at the end of his presentation: why did he prefer working and living in Argentina instead of staying in the United Sates, where his salaries were much higher. His response surprised me. He explained that his family and people he loved where here in Argentina, and that no amount of extra salary could replace the happiness and comfort he feels surrounded by the people he loves. He said that once you have enough to live comfortable, anything beyond that is just a bonus. That answer genuinely made me reflect on my own life and personal goals. I have always pushed myself to be as successful as possible and make as much money as I can, but today reminded me that life is not only about financial success. It is also about finding a place where you feel fulfilled, connected, and happy with the people around you.