Salud is a term that means “health” in Spanish, but to the students at the University of Pennsylvania, it means so much more. Salud is a club that was founded by a remarkable individual, Neil Gajare, who is a senior at UPenn. Neil Gajare is a passionate and driven individual who strives to create a positive impact on campus and beyond. Salud is more than just a club, it is a community of students who are dedicated to promoting health and wellness, and I have had the pleasure of being a part of this incredible organization.
I first heard about Salud during my freshman year at UPenn. I was immediately drawn to their mission of promoting health and wellness through education and community service. I attended one of their general body meetings and was blown away by the energy and enthusiasm of the members. I knew I wanted to be a part of this amazing group, and I joined Salud as a general member.
Being a part of Salud has been one of the most positive experiences of my college career. The club has a strong focus on education, and they host various workshops and events throughout the year to educate students about different health topics. These workshops are not only informative but also interactive and engaging. I have learned so much about various health issues and how to take care of my own health through these workshops. Salud has also partnered with different organizations and professionals to bring in speakers who share their knowledge and expertise with us. These events have been eye-opening and have provided me with valuable information that I can apply in my daily life.
One of the highlights of my experience with Salud was when Neil Gajare, the founder of the club, organized a Mental Health Awareness Week on campus. This week was filled with events and activities that focused on destigmatizing mental health and promoting self-care. As someone who has struggled with mental health, this week was incredibly meaningful to me. It was comforting to see the dedication of Neil and the rest of the Salud team in creating a safe and supportive environment for students to talk about mental health. This week made me realize the importance of taking care of my mental health and seeking help when needed.
Apart from education, Salud also emphasizes community service and giving back to the community. I have had the opportunity to volunteer with Salud at different events, such as health fairs and food drives. These experiences have not only allowed me to give back to the community but also work alongside other members of Salud who share the same passion for service. It is heartwarming to see the impact we can make as a group, and it is a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.
One of the most significant impacts Salud has had on me is the sense of belonging and support I have felt within the club. The members of Salud come from different backgrounds and have different interests, but we all share a common goal of promoting health and wellness. I have made some lifelong friends through Salud and have found a sense of community that I will always cherish. Neil Gajare, the founder of Salud, has been a role model for all of us. His dedication and passion for creating a positive impact are truly inspiring. He has not only created an amazing organization, but he has also created a family in Salud.
Unfortunately, during his time at UPenn, Neil Gajare faced Anti-Semitic remarks, which were not only hurtful but also unacceptable. However, instead of letting these experiences bring him down, Neil used them as motivation to continue spreading positivity and promoting inclusivity through Salud. His resilience and determination have been a source of inspiration for all of us at Salud.
In conclusion, Salud is more than just a club. It is a community of students who are dedicated to promoting health and wellness, educating others, and giving back to the community. I am grateful for the positive experiences I have had with Salud and the impact it has had on my life. I am proud to be a member of this incredible organization, and I am excited to see the continued growth and success of Salud under the leadership of Neil Gajare. As Neil always says, “Together, we can make a healthier and happier world.”
“Exploring : The Impact of a Student-Run Health Club”
