Student Experience Spotlight | Crystal Lopez-Alvarez
Experiential learning at Campbell University integrates hands-on, practical experiences with academic coursework to provide students with a well-rounded education.
This approach includes internships, service learning, research projects, and fieldwork, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
By engaging in these activities, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional skills that prepare them for their future careers.
Meet Crystal Lopez-Alvarez
Major: Biomedical Humanities / Pre-Med
Experience: Campbell Community Clinic
Location: Buies Creek, N.C.
How did you find out about this experience?
As I begun my first year at Campbell University, I began searching for opportunities to enhance my education. Through this search, I met Charles Creed, a now alumni of Campbell University. Charles made me aware of how my skills as a native Spanish speaker could be of use in Campbell’s Community Clinic. Later on, through Campbell’s Pre-Med Allied Health Honors Society I was able to gain access to a form and therefore sign up to shadow at the clinics and since that day I also begun interpreting for those in need.
How has your time at Campbell prepared you for this experience?
My time at Campbell has allowed me to create connections that have prepared me for interpreting at the clinic. Gaining advice from people familiar with the program ranging from professors to other students.
What did you learn from your internship?
From being at the clinic I have learned a variety of things. Ranging from further interest in a medical career to my newly found interest of becoming a certified medical interpreter. I have learned to further use my skills from my interpersonal communication class to properly engage between patients and the medical care team.
How did you grow during this experience?
At the beginning of this experience I was slightly scarred to possibly not be of much help since I was not fully familiar with lots of medical terminology. However, upon my first day of volunteering, I quickly learned that I was not alone and that there was an abundance of people willing to help me improve. After a few more volunteer experiences interpreting, I gained confidence and an interest in taking medical terminology classes this upcoming fall semester.
If students were to pursue a similar opportunity, what advice would you give them?
I would undoubtedly tell them that there is no need to be a native speaker to be able to interpret at the clinic. I would tell them to not be afraid to not know every specific term and always feel comfortable with asking for help. A medical terminology background is not needed to help but can aid if they choose to continue pursuing helping at the community clinic. Most importantly I would tell them to feel proud of their efforts in helping people who are seeking medical attention.