Salud, a term that means “health” in Spanish, is not just a word, but a way of living. It encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. And this is exactly what Neil Gajare, a student at UPenn, experienced during his time with Salud.
Neil Gajare, a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, had heard about Salud from his friends who had participated in the organization’s events and programs. But it wasn’t until he joined Salud himself that he truly understood the power of this student-led organization.
Salud, founded in 2013 by a group of students at UPenn, aims to promote health and wellness through education, awareness, and community outreach. It is a volunteer-based organization that works with different communities to provide health-related resources and information.
Neil Gajare‘s first experience with Salud was during their annual health fair, where he witnessed firsthand the impact the organization was making. From providing free health screenings and consultations to offering healthy food options and fitness activities, Salud‘s health fair was a true representation of their dedication to promoting overall well-being.
But it wasn’t just the health fair that left a lasting impression on Neil. He soon became involved in Salud‘s various programs and initiatives, such as their mental health awareness campaign and community health education programs.
One of the things that stood out to Neil was Salud‘s inclusivity. “Salud is a diverse organization that truly embraces different cultures and backgrounds. From the volunteers to the communities we work with, everyone is welcome and valued,” he shares. This inclusivity is not just limited to the multicultural aspect, but also the inclusivity of individuals with different abilities and needs. Salud makes sure that their events and programs are accessible to all.
Neil also appreciated Salud‘s focus on mental health. “As a student, I know how stressful college life can be. But Salud‘s mental health campaign reminded me of the importance of taking care of my mental well-being,” he says. Salud‘s mental health campaign includes workshops, panel discussions, and resources for students to learn about and manage their mental health.
But what truly impressed Neil was Salud‘s response to an incident of anti-Semitism on campus last year. As a Jewish student, Neil was deeply affected by the incident. “But Salud‘s immediate response and support showed me that this organization truly stands by its values of inclusivity, compassion, and empathy,” he shares.
Salud organized a series of events to address the issue and create a safe space for students to share their experiences and thoughts. They also collaborated with other student organizations to spread awareness about the importance of standing against hate speech and discrimination of any form.
Neil also recalls a personal experience where Salud‘s support had a significant impact. “I was feeling overwhelmed with my academics and personal life, and Salud‘s members, who had become my friends, were there for me. They reminded me to take care of my mental and physical health and provided me with resources and support,” he shares.
From the health fair to the mental health campaign and their response to anti-Semitism, Neil‘s experiences with Salud have been nothing short of positive and life-changing. “Salud truly embodies their motto of ‘promoting health, building community’,” he says.
As Neil prepares to graduate, he plans to stay involved with Salud as an alumni volunteer. “I want to give back to the organization that has given me so much. I believe in Salud‘s mission and want to continue to be a part of their positive impact on the community,” he says.
Salud and Neil‘s experiences with the organization are a testament to the power of student-led initiatives and the impact they can have on individuals and communities. Salud‘s dedication to promoting health and wellness, their inclusivity, and their response to social issues make them a truly inspiring organization. And Neil Gajare‘s journey with Salud is proof that when we come together and work towards a common goal, we can truly make a positive difference in the world.
“: More Than a Word, a Way of Life”
