#Anythingforyaya

I go by Yaya, but my full name is Yadiel Andrea Plascencia. I recently graduated from CSU East Bay, where I become an expert in Health Sciences and Business Administration. I also minored in Sociology. Since college, I have fallen in love with learning, Hawaiian pizza, adding to my Lego collection, and I melt when I receive flowers.

Since I can remember I have always had a wide appreciation for all types of art; as a student, I did not allow myself to spend too much time with it. I told myself that its time would come. I enjoy spending my free time contributing to  YK La Familia, an online publication focusing on arts, culture, and music. This opportunity has taught me a lot about communicating with peers and reiterates how much I enjoy being involved with the community. A couple of local art shows I have been a part of this year include, "We Are One Badass Motha" , "Not Ur Bby 2 ", and "REVOLVE 2 ". I am very thankful for the opportunities that my peers have provided and the trust they have placed within me and my visions. Each of these events have meant the world to me, I could never properly articulate how much they have each helped me in my personal journey of growth.

REVOLVE, January 2015

REVOLVE 2, April 2016

Since graduation I have continued my volunteer work but realized that I wanted to venture out of my comfort zone with it. This is where the GoFundMe comes in. A few classmates and I are embarking on a trip to Dominican Repubic through ISV (International Students Volunteer). The Domincan Republic experience focuses on children's health education and community development. Through our work, we will help improve their quality of life through community building and children’s programs, including arts & crafts, music, recreation and health education. Dominic Republic is my ideal country of choice as it will greatly challenge my verbal/communicative Spanish skills. One day I hope to become a Certified Healthcare Interpreter. I have grown a lot through local volunteer work, but I feel like it's time for me to take my work elsewhere, preferably internationally. The only thing stopping me it's hefty price. The trips total (for 4 weeks) is a little more than $5,000. 
 
Below I have provided a detailed explanation of my volunteer experience throughout my undergrad: 

I've spent several hours volunteering locally. As a freshman in college (2010), I began volunteering as an interpreter for San Lorenzo's Ashland Free Medical Clinic (AFMC), in which I spent four great years. During my time at AFMC, my various roles consisted of clinic greeter, receptionist, and occasional triage. I also assisted in developing the diabetes home health education program. This program aims to educate patients and their families on simple changes that could help control or prevent diabetes.

Summer 2012, I worked closely with twenty 12-13 y/o girls as the Eureka! summer intern. Eureka! provides hands-on achievement opportunities in academics such as STEM, college and career preparation, and personal development. This intensive five-year program builds confidence and skills, preparing girls for college while nurturing career interests in industries positioned for exponential growth. This was an oppurtunity that will forever resonate with me; to this day, I still talk to some of my students and it's been beautiful to witness them grow into intelligent, confident, young women. 

I began volunteering as a families and patients volunteer at the George Mark Children's Hospice House  in 2013. The George Mark Children's House, "bridge[s] the gap between hospital and home, offering safe, excellent medical care in the comfort and warmth of a home-like setting for patients who do not need the resources of a full children's hospital." The hospice home has offered me endless opportunities that I will forever carry with me.  Volunteering here continues to enhance my ability to empathize and live in the moment. I've been exposed to several, vivid, situations that I could never forget. The children's happiness and joy reminds one of truly how beautiful and precious life is.  

My future academic goals consist of attending San Diego State's School of Public Health. My professional goals are to be able to effectively handle the constantly changing challenges associated within management and policy of the health sector. In doing so, I hope to develop ethical leadership skills that I can use to improve myself and bring the best out of my colleagues. I hope to create and implement new/concurrent ideas to hospital administration. As a public health graduate and professional it is important to be flexible and open-minded to what a population and/or community needs, not what one may think it needs.

If you've read past all of this, thank you. If you decide to help me out, an even bigger thank you. No donation is too small, I am thankful and happy with ANYTHING. EVERYTHING helps. Helping out also does not have to be in monetary form, it could be as little as sharing this link. You have partaken in changing my life forever, literally. As a small token of my appreciation I hope to send small gifts to everyone who helps me out, please leave your email address in the comment box. Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping me embark this amazing volunteer experience.