Date of Interview: April 22, 2020

By: Roberto De Los Santos

Q&A

Q1: What inspired you to join your student club organization (AAWP)?

 

Rose Mary Wilson

“AAWP was an organization that stood out to me amongst other organizations because of its extensive involvement in community activities, giving back to those who need it most; Yucatan Crippled Children’s Project Toy Drive being one among them. To me, an added benefit of being a part of AAWP has been receiving first-hand advice and inspiration from Podiatrists and upperclassmen about their personal journey within the field of Podiatry.”

Marika Jackson

“I was drawn to the American Association for Women Podiatrists (AAWP) student chapter at Barry University just on what it stands for: uplifting, educating and supporting women in the field of podiatry. AAWP events are centered around community service and volunteering. As a first year student, one of my first volunteer foot screening events was sponsored by AAWP. I knew from then that I wanted to be associated with an organization that involves the community and enriches its members with tips for success, education and a wealth of experience.”

Tiffany Cerda

“AAWP student organization is a very active club at Barry University. I was drawn to this club, as many others by their ability to continuously host events that are centered around giving back to the community. Through this Toy Drive, we were able to not only give back but to also bring a little more joy to the children that were part of the Yucatan Crippled Children’s Project.”

Q2: What do you plan on doing with the scholarship money?

 

Rose Mary Wilson

“We intend to allocate the donated scholarship money towards future mission trips and other community service events. Our hope is to provide a sizable percentage of the donated scholarship money towards next year’s Yucatan Crippled Children’s Project Toy Drive.”

Marika Jackson

“Along with funding the Toy Drive for the Yucatan Crippled Children’s Project, we are thinking about possibly creating a small scholarship or reimbursement for students to attend the national AAWP conference. We can also use some funding to offset the cost of other outreach events that we host.”

Tiffany Cerda

“I hope that AAWP will set aside money for next school year’s Yucatan Crippled Children’s Project Toy Drive! With our donation to the project, we can assure that the next four missions within the year will have toys to give the children. I would love to see the money saved for future club trips and fundraising events.”

Q3: Do you have any advice to students who are interested in becoming a member or leader in a Podiatry student club at their school?

 

Rose Mary Wilson

“Being a part of an organization, especially a Podiatry student club, can be both meaningful and rewarding. Utilize the opportunities you get at every event to learn a little bit more about the field of Podiatry and give back! There is always a sense of joy that accompanies such acts of kindness. Sometimes studying can become overwhelming, but by actively participating in community service events, you can once again remember your ultimate goal; realizing that these hardships are temporary and a road to future success and contentment.”

Marika Jackson

“As a member or leader of a Podiatry Student Club, it is really rewarding to see that you can make a difference. Giving back to the community and volunteering does not have to be extravagant or extremely time consuming. Small gestures can go a long way, such as spending your TIME, practicing your skills, and/or simply putting a smile on someone’s face (even for just a moment). Most of all, you get a chance to touch someone’s life while building gratifying memories with others. We can make a difference at whatever level we are at!”

Tiffany Cerda

“My advice to students interested in becoming a member or leader in a Podiatry student club, would be ”Go for it!”. Each club has different mission statements but in the end, one purpose, to continue educating and giving back. Podiatry student club organizations hosts volunteering events, skill workshops, and lectures. These different events allow for good study breaks, and can help you stay focused on your goals as a student and future doctor.”

Interview with 1st Place Writing Competition Winners

1st Place – Writing Competition 2020

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