1. Who have you talked to, and how did you approach them? What did you take away from your conversations?
During my time in Seville, I had the opportunity to speak informally with both clinic staff at the Santa Justa Clinic and locals I encountered while backpacking through southern Spain, Portugal, and Andorra. At the clinic, I introduced myself as a visiting student from the U.S. interested in public health and healthcare access. The staff were incredibly welcoming and open to discussing their experiences. One nurse in particular shared how the clinic plays a vital role for undocumented and low-income patients, emphasizing that “access to care is not a privilege—it’s a human right.” This quote has stayed with me and underscored the broader mission of community-centered healthcare.
2. What observational experiences have you done? What points were most salient during those observations?
At the clinic, I was able to observe patient flow, communication styles, and how the clinic adapts to serve a diverse population with limited resources. It was especially striking to see how much emphasis was placed on trust and relationship-building in patient interactions. Outside the clinic, I observed how different communities in Portugal and Spain structure public spaces for accessibility and wellness—parks, walking paths, and free clinics were much more visible than in many places in the U.S. These observations helped me think about public health not just as policy, but as infrastructure and cultural values.
3. What are you noticing, if anything, about your influence on your surrounding environment?
Even in my short time abroad, I noticed that my curiosity and respect for the local culture created space for meaningful conversations. In the clinic, staff were eager to explain their work when they sensed my genuine interest, and during my travels, locals often opened up when I attempted to speak Spanish or Portuguese, even if imperfectly. I’ve learned that being present, asking thoughtful questions, and showing cultural humility can positively influence how others engage with me—and how willing they are to share their experiences.
4. How do interviews differ from observations in terms of what information you get and how you feel during the processes?
Interviews felt more emotionally engaging and layered—people often shared personal motivations and values that I never would have picked up from observation alone. Observations, on the other hand, allowed me to step back and notice systems and behaviors more objectively. Together, both gave me a more complete understanding of the communities I was engaging with.
5. When you think about interacting with the very community you are studying, what does “co-constructing knowledge” mean to you? What value could knowledge co-construction have on the CBI (community-based issue) you are exploring?
To me, co-constructing knowledge means shifting from a “learning about” mindset to a “learning with” one. It involves seeing the community not as subjects but as partners in understanding the issues they face. When we co-construct knowledge—through dialogue, observation, and mutual respect—we create more nuanced and culturally informed solutions. In the context of public health, especially with vulnerable or underserved populations like those at Santa Justa Clinic, this approach ensures that initiatives are rooted in lived experience, not just outsider assumptions. Co-construction fosters equity, empowerment, and long-term impact.
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