I’m going to Peru because I want to meet people where care doesn’t always reach them—and learn what it truly means to serve before I ever step fully into my healthcare career.

As a pharmacy student, I spend my days learning mechanisms, guidelines, and therapies. But healthcare isn’t just about what we know; it’s about who actually receives it. This trip gives me the opportunity to work alongside local partners in underserved communities near Cusco, helping with health education, supporting community programs, and working with children to introduce healthier ways of thinking about both physical and mental well-being. These moments may seem small on paper, but they matter deeply in places where access and resources are limited.

What makes this experience especially meaningful is that I’m still early in my journey. I haven’t had a traditional healthcare job yet, but I don’t see that as a reason to wait. I know what I’ve learned, I know how to listen, and I know how to learn quickly when I’m placed somewhere unfamiliar. I’m going with humility, curiosity, and a willingness to use every skill I have—and every lesson I’ll gain—to serve well.

There’s also something more personal pulling me toward this trip. I’ve never been someone who chased travel or international experiences. I’ve rarely left California, and I never felt the urge to get on a plane just to see the world. But when I heard about this opportunity, something didn’t let go. The more I thought about it, the stronger it felt—like a quiet but persistent calling that kept growing louder. I don’t fully understand it, but I’ve learned to pay attention when something continues to pull at me like that.

I’m also open to growth beyond what can be measured. I’m not deeply religious, but I’m intentionally open to spiritual perspective and reflection. I’ve listened to people return from trips like this changed—more grounded, more aware, more connected to something bigger than themselves. Some describe these experiences as humbling, transformative, even miraculous. I don’t know what I’ll witness, but I do know I want to be present on the ground, helping create space for those moments to happen.

In the long run, I see this trip as a foundation. I want a career rooted in empathy, service, and perspective—one that consistently centers underserved communities and meaningful impact. Years from now, I hope this is something I can look back on as the beginning of a lifelong commitment, not a one-time experience.

If you choose to support me, you’re helping make this opportunity possible. You’re supporting learning that goes beyond the classroom, service that meets real needs, and a journey that I hope will shape how I care for people for the rest of my life. I’m incredibly grateful for any support, encouragement, or belief you’re willing to share as I take this step.

Thank you for being part of this with me.

— Andrew