Literature & Culture

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          I wrote this paper while studying abroad for my Spanish Civilization and Culture course. The purpose of this paper was to combine learned information from class and additional research to explain the healthcare system in Spain. I included descriptions of the different sectors of healthcare along with the strengths and weaknesses of the system. I interviewed a doctor who practices in Madrid to gain more insight into the way the system functions, and incorporated some of her responses in my paper.

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          This experience helped me develop valuable interviewing and Spanish-speaking skills, which are essential for effective communication in healthcare. In addition, writing this essay offered a global perspective on healthcare.  I was able to make comparisons between the way that different cultures handle health challenges like insurance, access to care, public health initiatives, and quality of care. This learning experience will be applicable in my future career as a physician because understanding more about different ways a healthcare system can work will allow me to work more efficiently and be more aware of a system that impacts everyone in the country. 

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        During my time studying abroad, I wrote this essay for my Spanish Contemporary Literature course. In the paper, I examine the life and works of Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, a famous figure in Spanish literature, and identify the contextual influences that are apparent in his most famous work, Rimas y Leyendas. Many aspects of Bécquer’s work, including the themes and literary style, can be connected to the cultural, historical, and political happenings in Spain during the time.

 

       I was able to extensively analyze several of Bécquers poems that are essential to understanding the history of literature in Spain, especially the Romantic and Realism movements, which gave me more insight into Spanish culture. This analysis enhanced my ability to connect seemingly distinct elements, such as literature and politics, while deepening my understanding of how culture and history shape literature, poetry, and the individuals who experience them. My broadened cultural knowledge will be valuable in my future healthcare career, as it will enable me to better understand my patients' backgrounds, the factors that have influenced who they are, and build a trusting relationship with them.​

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