Dolly Do
Dolly is graduating in 2010 with degrees in Biology and the International Degree. She aspires to become a doctor one day with the goal of helping underrepresented communities, including minorities. She has extensively studied Spanish to meet this goal, including two experiences abroad. As a junior, she studied Spanish language and culture at the University of Cantabria in Spain. There, she lived with a host family and learned more about the local culture, including Spanish art and architecture. Six months after returning to Corvallis, Dolly was off to Bolivia for a medical internship with Child Health Family International, to improve her knowledge of Spanish medical vocabulary and gain a global perspective of the health field. In addition to rotations, from big public hospitals to a small clinic for women’s health in the outskirts of the city, she studied Chagas Disease, eventually deciding to focus on this topic for her International Degree thesis. She spent some time in the laboratory examining the parasite and vectors of the disease. She also did some public health activities that involved educating small neighborhoods outside the city.
Dolly’s experiences abroad were so impactful that upon return, she applied to the International Ambassador program. As an Ambassador, Dolly makes presentations about her own experiences abroad as well as holding “First Steps” meetings to help other OSU students get started with study abroad planning. In addition to her academics and international experiences, Dolly has been active on campus and in the community. As a volunteer with Special Olympics, she coaches special skills for basketball and is the head coach for junior’s track. Through six seasons, Dolly has assisted them with improvement of their motor skills, understanding basic sports lessons, and preparation for regional and state competitions. Dolly also volunteers with the American Red Cross and Community Outreach,was Vice President for Finances for OSU’s Blood Drive Association, and has worked as a lab assistant on campus.
