The Art of the Pivot
Irving Suarez
2nd year MPH Health Behavior, Health Equity Student
Grenada welcomed us with humid air, rolling waves, and the quiet weight of responsibility. We came up with a plan—structured, organized, and neatly packaged in preparation. But as life normally does, it reminded me that plans are merely starting points.
Working with the Red Cross was an exercise in adaptability. Every day demanded a pivot, a quick recalibration of expectations. What was supposed to be a straightforward execution became a lesson in patience, flexibility, and trust that even detours serve a purpose. The need was immense, and our response had to be nimble.
We adjusted, we revised, and we reworked. Finding ways to move forward.
Through the chaos, the unexpected, and the moments of uncertainty, I witnessed something remarkable—resilience not just in our work but in each other.
The steady rhythm of people who dedicate themselves to service despite the odds.
Maybe the ground beneath me is still shifting.
Maybe clarity isn’t found in a single experience but built over time. I leave Grenada feeling not just exhausted, but reassured in ways I didn’t expect.
After this trip, Ishi will move on to her next challenge in Palo Alto where she will start her medical school training at Stanford.
Jada and Raksha will stay in Grenada for another 10 weeks to complete their MPH internship requirement, enjoying the island life for a little longer.
As for me? I head back north to Ann Arbor, MI, still unsure of my next “professional” steps, but confident that my hope is no longer cautious.