Quito: Final Day

         
               Group visits Dr. Giovanni Onore at the Insect Museum at the Biological Sciences Department,   Catholic University, Quito

June 25, 2002
By Sara, Kim and Melissa

Our final day in Quito allowed us to sit back and reflect on our experiences in Ecuador.  Overall, it was a thought-provoking experience full of contrast.  We came here as eager American students ready to help the way learned in America – to teach the way things should be done.  However, it soon became apparent that to do this would be doing more harm than good – that we were here as students to be taught and to learn.  We were not the teachers. 

Professor Giovanni Onore shows to participants the insect biodiversity of Ecuador at QCAZ Insect Museum at Catholic University

One of the main principles taught in medical schools across America is “do no harm.”  Our experiences in Ecuador left us with many unanswered questions.  You know something must be done, but what and how?  As strong as the call to action is, the path itself remains unclear.  It is a puzzling path of frustration – yet one full of hope.  Perhaps the most frustrating thing of all is that no one outside of our group will ever understand our experience.  There are no words to describe the emotions felt, or any picture to justify the beauty of this country.  It is an experience that will always remain in our hearts.

Dr. Laws and Dr. Grijalva at press conference in Quito