Participant Thoughts:

Click here to check out Zaynah's blog about the Hyderabad Medical Program

Zaynah Chowdhry, HMP 2009

Arizona

'Read the news, look around the world, devastation and destruction is everywhere. Human rights are being trampled on, corruption consuming relief allocations, poverty rising, a mutual disregard for education for all, scarcity of medical aid, and no sight of help for the ones in need. We need to start somewhere. No one can save the whole world at the same time. IMRC’s program is a blessing to those who want to go out and make a change because it provides them an outlet to get started. I have wanted to go on this project ever since I first heard about it. My passion lies in helping those in need overseas – for me this project was the perfect match. This opportunity to go overseas and provide aid to those in need during the summer was one of the most enriching experiences in my life. I gained an immense amount of knowledge, memories, and experiences. This project is not a summer expedition; it’s the beginning to a way of life.'
Aysha Mohsin, Coordinator, TIP 2009
California

”We didn't even notice the change, or at least I didn't.  But when I returned from my journeys, it seemed something had happened. Something had creped into my veins between the days out sweating under the Indian sun; my garments soaked daily with dirt and sweat. As I walked off the plane in Mumbai, the humidity entered my mouth and expanded in my lungs making it difficult to breathe properly.  Seeking a thread of a breeze, I desperately shed the thick coat of identities shaped by living in a materialistic society.  Over the next five weeks, I began to blend in with the lives of the masses.  Of course, I had absolutely no idea that this is what would happen or even that it was happening.  The change was completely involuntary, silent, and stealthy, which is why I didn't even notice that I returned wearing a new light coat made of pure peaceful patience.  It had formed over the five weeks from listening and learning and understanding the stories of each individual person I met in India.  I have returned, carrying them with me, forever changed. ”
Huda Aziz, 2008

Pennsylvania

”Medical Schools appreciate it when students are able to step out of their protective bubble and offer their services toward any volunteer activity. However, traveling abroad and being involved in a humanitarian relief mission stands out and distinguishes an applicant. Further, these experiences have helped me to grow as an individual. The people I have met, the feelings I have felt will influence my decisions on a daily basis.

My parents were very supportive about the trip and felt confident about my security while I was on the trip. We were able to communicate with our parents as often as we liked and their ability to reach us at any time helped to ease some of their anxiety.”
Zubair Ahmed, 2006
Illinois

"The Summer Volunteer Program was one of the best experiences of my life. Working toward a common goal with different people from various organizations allowed me to hone my skills in both leadership and teamwork while participating directly in a noble cause. I traveled throughout India to more places than even my parents, who were raised there, had ever seen. The best part of the trip was being able to see where our financial contribution goes to work and the extent of just how many people are benefiting from our simple charity. To this day, the social curriculum IMRC offers is assisting me in my medical endeavors, with regard to relating to a wide spectrum of patients, having a varied humanitarian understanding, and coloring my resume with a unique and outstanding experience. I would recommend this program highly and can definitively state that no one should miss such an opportunity."
Beena Kazi, 2001
California

"The IMRC summer volunteer program was an eye-opening experience, allowing me to understand the tremendous poverty that faces much of the Muslim world, and forcing me to appreciate the blessings we have as American Muslims.  The program provided me the opportunity to do more than talk about the world's problems; through hands-on social work throughout India, we took small steps to make a real difference in people's lives.  It was a tremendous asset on my resume as I applied for jobs and sought admissions to law schools.  It was always the first thing my interviewers asked about, and definitely aided me in pursuing my career goals.

For once, I was able to see India through a different lense, not as a tourist or visitor, but as a worker, finally seeing the country at its best and worst.  Visiting India, and visting with the people IMRC supports, helped me learn to appreciate the fact that for every Indian Muslim that succeeds in the US, there are literally millions left behind in need of our help."
Sajid Khan, 1999
California