By Josh Cox UACCB Freelance Writer

Oftentimes throughout our lives, we have moments when we can take a chance or an opportunity. And sometimes not even noticing it, we accept the opportunity. Then we come to discover that experience not only changes our life, but changes the lives of those around us to the benefit of a global impact.

One particular story began years ago with one family who was not content with families going without Christmas and another family who was not happy with others going without necessities like food and water. Little did these two families know that their stories would come together years later and have a global impact on a young girl named Nancy.

Today, Nancy Mitchell speaks of a recollection of the influential people in her life who, as the story unfolds, happen to be her mother and grandparents.

“My grandparents and mom were very influential in my life, especially in doing things for other people.” She tells how the generosity of her family has been poured out to her and now it’s her time to continue that love, by going to Bolivia.

Bolivia is known to be the poorest country in South America. Lonely Planet calls Bolvia “The heart of South America, where the lofty Andes fall away to sweaty jungle.”

“Health care is a global issue,” Mitchell said, and nowhere is that more evident than perhaps Bolivia. “I hope to be useful to them and possibly even bring some new insight back home.”

Mitchell, a nursing student at University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, will graduate from the practical nursing program on Friday.

Mitchell is not only excited to help the Bolivians but she is also excited to work on her Spanish and put into practice the many hours spent in medical lectures and readings.

“We have seen an increase in the Spanish speaking population in Batesville,” she said. “I want to be able to help here. ... I want to be more culturally sensitive.”

Mitchell has been an intern at Dr. Robin Williams’ office the past six months. It has given her a chance to interact with patients of all ages, because of Williams’ dual specialties: pediatrics and internal medicine.

“I hope to one day specialize my nursing care in that area, perhaps as an advanced nurse practitioner,” she said. “Dr. Williams’ nurses, Carol and Zelda, have provided me a firm foundation in clinic nursing. I am deeply honored and thankful Dr. Williams invited me to follow her at clinic and on rounds at the hospital, all the while teaching me priceless information about disease processes and their treatments. She is an excellent teacher.

“Repeatedly, I find myself drawn to the challenges and joys of pediatric health care, and that is one reason why I chose the Pediatric Service-Learning Program in Bolivia.”

Mitchell will spend eight weeks in La Paz. She will leave Nov. 1 and return Dec. 28.

“I know this trip will be difficult.” This will be the first Christmas away from her children and husband of over 20 years. But despite the language barrier, difficult climate and unknown challenges, she said she is more persistent and eager than ever.

“My nursing instructors have challenged me to push beyond my perceived limits and increase my self-confidence,” she said. “They’ve helped me grow as a person by reminding me that mistakes aren’t failures, but learning opportunities; and that courage isn’t facing your fears — it’s taking action despite your fears. I would like to thank each of them for everything.”