Pictured: Students team up with K1 Britannia to facilitate a food drive and distribute donations (photo credit: K1 Britannia)
A university tradition that connects students with local organizations, Community Action Day encourages physicians-in-training to go beyond the campus to give back and focus on community priorities through service projects in health, education, animal welfare, environmental awareness, and more.
This event marked the return to our more traditional in-person Community Action Day since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With facemasks on and social distancing in place, participants helped pack food with the K1 Britannia Foundation, led youth activities including the re-launch of the Body SMAART educational program with the Philipsburg Jubilee Library, and assisted the AIDS Foundation of Sint Maarten with HIV testing, among other activities.
Pictured: AUC's Global Interest Group hosted the re-launching of the Body Smaart program, an educational initiative which provides interactive sessions on health and the anatomy of the human body, in partnership with Philipsburg Jubilee Library.
“I am honored to have coordinated this year’s Community Action Day in an effort to re-engage with the Sint Maarten community after a year-long disruption due to the pandemic,” said Dr. Natalie Humphrey, Assistant Dean for Community Engagement. “We are so thankful to Sint Maarten for embracing our students, and we look forward to giving back in a meaningful way through other similar events in the future. AUC students have a passion for service to others and were so thrilled to give back to these organizations and connect with the people of Sint Maarten.”
AUC’s chapter of the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) once again spent CAD with Safe Haven, a women and children’s shelter on Sint Maarten. Students organized a spa day to support residents and staff of the shelter.
Pictured from left to right: Savannah Sadaiappen, AMWA Treasurer, and Chancée Forestier, AMWA President, arrange facial masks, scrubs, and lotions for a full day of relaxation; AMWA members gather for a photo during the event. (Photo credit: Aimee Lombard)
“It feels amazing to be able to give back to the community that supports us for the time that we are here,” said second-year student Aimee Lombard. “Seeing women lift up women on Community Action Day was nothing short of inspirational. Honoring these women—who are tasked with rebuilding a life after domestic violence—with a day of self-care was incredibly heartwarming, and the laughter and pleasure of the day filled the room.”
As an AMWA member and Student Experience Ambassador, Aimee had the opportunity to both participate in and document the event. “The effort and energy put into planning and carrying out the event was palpable, and I was so proud to be a part of the day,” she said. “Every time we give back to others, our own cups get refilled, and I left with a full, rejuvenated heart. We are better together.”
