Note: Last week we had a guest post from Megan Francisco, a physical therapy student. This week, Dr. Laurie Farroni shares her perspective of the impact of the UTMB team’s trip to Guatemala with TCI and our partners. 

From my perspective as a therapist and educator, the richness in coming to ASELSI has been in the unpredictable moments of joy. Watching the students develop natural connections with each other, CAF staff, patients, and families is such a gift. With the barriers of our complex health system stripped away, students and faculty have the opportunity to experience encounters very purely, without the pressures of so many metrics, time constraints, etc.  I had the privilege of working with Sandra with some our students and pediatric patients.  Through these experiences, several students identified a potential desire to work with the pediatric population, something they had not really considered before as part of their long-term career trajectory. I am so grateful for this time to share in the joy of serving children!