Nursing student travels to Guatemala
MINOT, N.D. – Alexis Heil has been honing her nursing skills as a CNA, first during high school and now as a nursing student at Minot State. This summer, she’ll be applying what she’s learned in Antigua, Guatemala.
“I’ll be working at a clinic providing CNA and nursing skills,” she said. “Anything I’ve practiced through clinicals at school, I’ll be able to do there.”
Heil sought out the opportunity through International Volunteer HQ, a travel company that creates positive transformation within the communities they support and volunteers. And although the furthest the Bottineau native has traveled out of country is to Canada, she is looking forward to her upcoming adventure.
“A lot of people ask me — because they know I’m going alone — if I’m super scared, but I’m not,” she said. “I’m very excited for it because I’ll get to meet a bunch of people from Guatemala and experience their culture. I feel like everything’s so different there compared to here. I think it will be a kind of a reality check, too.”
The junior will make her journey immediately after the school year ends, leaving on May 14, and will volunteer in the country for two weeks. Although she’s been juggling classes, clinicals, and finals, she’s also been spending time preparing for her journey.
“I’ve kind of been going crazy about it,” Heil said. “I do a lot of internet research about what to expect and what to bring, and I’ve been practicing Spanish. I want to know how to talk to people, I don’t want to offend anyone, and I’m doing research on foods, research on literally everything.”
Heil’s original intent was to study abroad but the timing didn’t work due to COVID-19 restrictions before entering the nursing program. It was her sister-in-law, Irma Heil, who suggested volunteer work as another option.
“She actually went to Guatemala, too, but for teaching,” Heil said. “And I decided to apply one night. I saw that there were like 250 applicants ahead of me and I was like, there’s no way I’m going to get accepted into this program.”
This wasn’t the first time an application brought change to Heil’s life. It didn’t take long into her freshman year that she began the process of transferring to Minot State.
“I originally went to UND (University of North Dakota) but I didn’t like how big their classes were. I didn’t have enough one-on-one time with the professors,” she said. “And I had toured MSU before I went to UND. And then, when I was at UND, I realized it wasn’t a great match for me.
“I like being closer with the students and professors. I’m so glad I applied and transferred to Minot State.”
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
| Published: 05/11/22 |
