This clinic experience was unique, because it was attached to a church that also provided meals and groceries. We would approach the people to see if they needed any medical care, give surveys, and collect demographic information. A group of us realize, from the survey we have given to the patients, the food that they were being feed and given by the church were not always the most nutritious. We decided to start a small community garden in an empty lot on the church grounds, and within two months we had raised the necessary funds and materials to get the garden started. Volunteers from nearby schools and the community came out to help plant, dig, and set up the irrigation system. It was encouraging to worked with the members of the community who took steps to make their community a healthier place to live. People began to take notice of the garden after the first harvest of squash, tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes. The food was used to supplement the kitchen in their weekly meals, and it was also added to the groceries that were being given out. I was really proud when a member of the community and the church took the responsibility to maintain the garden, because he wanted help improve the community he was living in. This experience meant a lot to me because I saw that if we can understand about what the people in the community really need, we can provide more than just …show more content…
Commanding Airmen overseas in combat and honorably representing the U.S. Air Force internationally has taught me to be a leader and a professional, qualities that have benefited me in and out of uniform. Deployments have given me the opportunity to interact and work with individuals from numerous cultures, and the experience taught me that through recognition and understanding of different cultures, better relationships can be fostered by opening the lines of communications. Continued education, from leadership school, to tactical and positional upgrades, to a Public Health graduate student, was a big part in my military career. To continue to learn and build upon my experience has led me to be successful aviator, leader and I believe that it will lead me to become a successful physician in the future. After the military, my focus shifted to volunteering and helping the community, specifically the homeless population. At health fairs, homeless shelters, and working as an EMT, I have met a number of veterans that receive little to no medical care, and at COMP-Pomona, I would learn and develop skills that will open up different opportunities for me to continue to