Amidst the rolling mountains and withered valleys where people strove to bring home food at the end of every day, I discovered a group of traveling doctors who lived out a theory they believed in; pay it forward. Never expecting reimbursement for their professional services, this traveling brigade to rural Honduras provided the valley with its annual form of sophisticated health care and available services. Blessed to travel and shadow the team for two weeks in the spring of 2011, I became enticed with the practice of physical therapy provided by Doctor Bryan. The way he devoted himself in his work with the locals and applied his physical therapy knowledge to the injured inspired me.
Jogging daily through the 5 A.M. mist with Doctor Bryan allowed me to grasp a sense of connection and a further understanding of this man and his professional practice. Encouraged by his hardworking yet down-to-earth personality, I noted his willingness to leave everything behind and devote himself to his patients. Light of breathe, he described his mission to travel in the world and bring needed care to underrepresented communities while never expecting a pay in return; viewed as a professional volunteer.
Looking back at those early morning jogs or working in dim, mortar houses watching his flowing hands soothe a man’s injured muscle with practiced ease, I respect Doctor Bryan’s commitment and realize a significant similarity to my own experiences attained through the Scouting Program. Such as the scout oath which instructed me early on to reach beyond the expected standards of society and to “do my duty” and “help other people at all times.” I connected with this man through a unity in honor and dedication to those we help. Today, I dream of becoming a physical therapist with the same altruistic attitude. Inspired to reach beyond the normal standards, I wish to travel abroad to deprived, poor populations and volunteer freely through my profession. I too wish to “pay it forward” and help open the eyes of another unsuspecting youth when putting others first as Doctor Bryan did for me.