GEMx Blog

                    

Hello! My name is Amanda Sit and I am very excited to be a new member of the GEMx team. I am currently a pre-junior Marketing Major at Drexel University and I am the GEMx International Relations Assistant. The reason why I chose GEMx is so that I can foster a deeper understanding for other cultures as well as actively promote health-education globally.

A little about me is that I grew up in Edison, New Jersey a small diverse suburban area before moving into the large city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for my studies. It was a completely new experience since Philadelphia has many unique restaurants and stores to check out! I love to try out new food places and travel.

This photo was taken in the Philippines during low tide.

I love traveling to different places for the culture, food, and activities each place has to offer. My favorite travel destination that I’ve been to so far is the Philippines. Growing up Filipino, I was very fortunate to travel to my mother’s home country and experience the culture. I really enjoyed the food at local restaurants.  Chicken Adobo and Lumpia (Spring rolls) were my favorite dishes to eat. The most memorable part of the trip was island hopping in Coron, Philippines. Seeing the island untouched by modernity was very exciting.

I am a firm believer that GEMx is as good as the team working behind it, and I am very thankful that I get to be a part of the team.

Hi everyone! My name is Eunice Kamami and I am the GEMx Research Assistant Co-op. I’m currently in my fourth year at Drexel University where I am majoring in Global Studies and minoring in Communication and French. My interests in global health and international background are what really drew me to this position.

I was born in Kenya, moved to America when I was 7, moved back to Kenya for high school, moved to a different part of America for university, studied abroad in France for a year, and then did my previous co-op working with water, sanitation, and hygiene development in Kenya. So, I guess you could say I’ve had my fair share of international exchanges. Each move shaped my worldview and broadened my understanding of race, ethnicity, class, gender and culture. This is why I believe that international experiences can be so rewarding. They often teach importance of being flexible and open minded to people who may have different values, beliefs, or religions. In world that’s only becoming more and more globalized, these are characteristics that are essential for everyone, but especially for those in the medical field, which is why programs like GEMx are so important.

That being said, I’ve had enough complicated visa applications, lost luggage, stolen passports, homesickness and culture shock to know that international experiences can also be challenging. Moving to a different part of the world takes courage, the willingness to start anew and sometimes to be uncomfortable for a bit. Having a good support system in the process can change the outcome of experience. It’s for this reason in particular that I’m so excited to be working to be working with GEMx to help facilitate and support students on their international medical exchanges.

When I’m not getting excited about international programs and global health, you can find me making caramel macchiatos at Drexel where I work as a Starbucks barista. I love listening to podcasts and am always looking for a good recommendation. I also like trying new food or sticking to my favorite cuisine: Ethiopian. On weekends, I’m usually attending concerts, poetry slams, organizing, taking Sunday afternoon naps, trying new recipes, going dancing, or watching scary movies with my two wonderful roommates our cat Steven.

Hello! My name is Kaseir Archie and I am the GEMx program development Drexel co-op. Cooperative education is a structured method of combining classroom-based education with practical work experience. A cooperative education experience, commonly known as a “co-op”, provides academic credit for structured job experience. Working with the GEMx team has given me the opportunities to not only learn but also to enhance my professional skills. Understanding and observing firsthand the “real-world” application of everything I have learned in class. However, my favorite aspect of GEMx is how much enthusiasm and positive energy the GEMx team brings to the office every day.

I am from North Philadelphia, born and raised. There is just something about the city of Philadelphia that I love so much. That is why I decided to remain here for college. I am currently finishing up my third year at Drexel University, studying finance and management information systems.

In the Grand Hall of the Pennsylvania Convention Center the Grand Hall (former Reading Railroad Train Shed

My two favorite activities to do are to play ice hockey and do photography. I never really explored my creative side, but as I got older I became to grow fond of the arts. That is what inspired me to find my own medium to create. However, in comparison to photography which is a fairly new hobby, I have played ice hockey since I was eleven years old.

I played for the Snider Hockey program until I graduated high school. Hockey opened up so many new opportunities for me. I had the opportunity to travel the United States, sing the national anthem, and even meet President Bill Clinton! I still skate and play hockey on occasion with friends.

Due to all of my experiences with the GEMx team, I am more prepared, as a student still in college, to take on the professional world than I was when I began my co-op. It is amazing to hear about all of the students and their elective experiences. GEMx has done more than proven its value as an organization to me. A BIG thank you to Justin Seeling (Program Manager), Carol Russo (Senior Coordinator), and Angel Roman (Coordinator) for all they do.