True Church Medical Student Goes to Dominican Republic ----

Sister Shavonda Thomas of Augusta/Burke County.

 

Interviewer: Shavonda - tell us about yourself…..Where you are in school?  What is your area of concentration?

 

Shavonda: I’m a 2nd year student at the Medical College of Georgia’s School of Medicine.

 

Interviewer: About how much longer do you have in school?

 

Shavonda: 2 years.  God willing, I will graduate May 2012.

 

Interviewer: What do you see as your goals for your medical career?

 

Shavonda: I’m not completely sure at this time.  I’ve considered internal medicine, cardiology, and sports medicine, but I’m waiting on God to lead me in the right direction.

 

Interviewer: You recently went to the Dominican Republic. What was the purpose of the trip?

 

Shavonda: The original purpose of the trip was to help displaced Haitian earthquake victims near the DR border, to help the Haitians who have been living in the DR for years, and to help build an orphanage for Haitian and Dominican children.  However, once we arrived, we were told that order and civility were almost non-existent in Haiti and that it was too dangerous to travel there, so we stayed in the DR to help the Haitians there and build the orphanage.

 

Interviewer: How were you chosen for the trip?

 

Shavonda: My friend’s dad, who is a surgeon, had visited the DR several times before and thought it would be a good idea for his daughter and her friends to serve others during our spring break.

 

Interviewer: For you to have the opportunity to go to the Dominican Republic must have been very exciting. What exactly did you do while you were there?

 

Shavonda: It was extremely exciting.  When I was presented with the opportunity I quickly jumped on it.  After we arrived, we visited a clinic in the “batey” or Haitian village.  We worked for a number of hours for days, offering medical attention and advice.  We administered a lot of medication to groups of people who didn’t have access to typical medicines, such as pain relievers, anti-pyretics, and anti-hypertensives.  Surgery was also performed on a Haitian woman to remove huge keloids on both ears.  On another day, we cleared grounds and laid cinderblocks for a future orphanage for homeless children. 

 

Interviewer: The pictures you brought back of the people show many smiling faces. Tell us about your time with them.

 

Shavonda: It was extremely sad to see how much the Haitians did not have; for example, there was no running water, no electricity (which means no air conditioning), and no transportation.  Additionally, their living quarters were extremely unsanitary.  However, it was astonishing to see how happy they were with their lives and present situation.  They were so appreciative of our help and the kids were so grateful for nothing more than a walk around their village hand in hand. 

 

Interviewer: Now that you are back home, what will you always remember about you trip to the Dominican Republic?

 

Shavonda: I will always remember the spirits of the Haitians and Dominicans.  They were so happy and stress-free in areas/situations that we could not imagine. Being there makes one realize how God has tremendously blessed us. We as Americans and especially members of the True Church have absolutely nothing to complain about.  We’re able to eat whatever we want whenever we want it, blast the air conditioning when it gets warm out, turn on the faucets in our kitchens and bathrooms and know that CLEAN, hot or cold water is available, and even travel to most places near and far. 

 

Interviewer: What keeps you motivated and encouraged to continue your education?

 

Shavonda: My motivation and encouragement come from knowing that not many people were/are able or willing to take the path that I have taken.  Years ago, most African Americans were not allowed to attend decent high schools, let alone colleges and universities.  Now, we can go to school for FREE and choose paths that will allow us to become successful, productive, and sanctified adults.  God has opened so many doors for African Americans and members of the True Church and I think it’s terrible that so few of us are taking advantage of the opportunities that are within our reach.  I’m also motivated by the fact that my parents, Robert and Velinda Thomas, worked so hard raising my siblings and me.  They both sacrificed a lot for the four of us and one day I want to be able to bless them much more than they have blessed us. 

 

Interviewer: Do you have any encouraging words for the younger generation?

 

Shavonda: I am deeply saddened and worried when I look at our youth and see what the future of our people and country will possibly become.  I mostly see lazy and unappreciative kids, teenagers, and young adults who are always looking at what they don’t have and always wanting the newest pair of shoes, or the newest cell phone, or the newest Play station/Xbox game.  I also see kids who are aspiring to be NBA/NFL players, actors/actresses, and rappers instead of scientists, teachers, airplane pilots, and nurses, who can contribute to our communities in a more positive way.
It is time for the youth to first and foremost take advantage of the True Word of God that is being taught in our churches.  We are so blessed to have preachers who are not ashamed or afraid to teach the True Word of God.  It’s so good to know that God has so much grace and mercy and that He has chosen us to know the Bible for what it really is. 
It is also time for the youth to take advantage of the education that is available here in the United States.  We should aim to do better than our parents and grandparents by seeking and GETTING higher educational degrees, such as Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorates.  Not only do I encourage the youth to do this, but I encourage the PARENTS to get involved in every aspect of their children’s lives and be stricter disciplinarians when it comes to education and salvation.     

 

Interviewer: What’s next for you? Are you going to further your education even more?

 

Shavonda: If God allows me to graduate, I will have completed a Doctor of Medicine degree, after which I plan to complete a residency in a specialty of which I’m not sure as of now.  After that is completed, there is always room for more education.  With the help of the Lord, I will continue to serve Him by obeying the Word of God and being a light to those who so desperately need to see it.