A Journey of Community, Culture, and Growth
Mallika Balagopal
2nd Year, MPH, Epidemiology Student
Our week in San Antonio, Texas, was an enriching experience, filled with impactful interactions and personal growth. From conducting surveys and focus groups to neighborhood scans and visiting the iconic location where Miss Congeniality was filmed, the trip truly embodied the spirit of community engagement and cultural exchange.
A highlight of the trip was interacting with the dedicated staff from The Neighborhood Place, South Central AHEC, SA Youth, Restore Education, and Ella Austin. Through surveys and conversations, we gained valuable insights into the experiences of San Antonio’s community, especially regarding their healthcare needs. It was inspiring to learn how community members have established health centers that positively impact young people’s lives.
During our focus group sessions in the Westside of Bexar County, we listened to residents share their experiences with healthcare services. We explored what has worked, what hasn’t, and their hopes for the future of healthcare in the community. One participant even recommended must-do activities in San Antonio, highlighting the warmth and generosity of the people we met.
Beyond our work, we experienced the community firsthand at a food giveaway event on Wednesday, which was a beautiful display of unity and support.
Though it was challenging to collect, clean, and analyze data while preparing a final presentation in just seven days, we managed to navigate the stress with open communication, cultural humility, and conflict resolution. The experience reinforced the importance of balancing theory with practice and embracing lived experiences alongside academic knowledge.
This journey deepened my understanding of community engagement and helped me reflect on my approach to learning. I would like to thank South Central AHEC for their unwavering support, the PHAST team for this incredible opportunity, and, most importantly, the people of San Antonio for welcoming us and making us feel like part of the community.