Meet Brynn Macaulay: Volunteer in Peru
Brynn was raised in Portland, Oregon where she attended, majoring in Nursing and minoring in Spanish. After passing her boards, she dedicated the first of her career as a nurse volunteering with CMMB in Peru, specifically focusing on improving maternal child health outcomes. In addition to the clinical experience, she gained, working in a Spanish-speaking-only environment strengthened her love of the language and allowed her to improve her language skills. When she returned to the U.S., she earned her national certification as a Spanish medical interpreter. Brynn loved her experience so much that she’s going back in November 2017 to serve for an additional six months. We recently had the chance to ask her a bunch of questions to learn more about what makes her who she is, including who she would most like to be stuck in an elevator with.
Education: University of Portland-Bachelor of Science in Nursing, minor in Spanish
CMMB volunteer post: Nurse in Trujillo, Peru
If you were asked to sum yourself up in two words, which two would you choose? Compassionate and pragmatic
Why CMMB? I volunteered with CMMB five years ago and had a marvelous experience. I really like the model of CMMB, in that it sends volunteers to areas in need with the goal that volunteers can assist and train local staff in health initiatives. I think this is sustainable, empowering and a good use of human resources. As a professional who focuses on maternal and child health, I also feel drawn to CMMB’s focus on this population.
Community Health Worker, Sara provided part of her home to make it a health center for her community. She ensures that boys and girls receive iron supplements to reduce anemia.
What are you most proud of? I’m very proud of the degree and certifications I hold. I’m also proud of the travel experiences I have had.
Imagine you are stuck in an elevator. Who would you most like to be stuck with? And why? Ellen Degeneres – because if you’re going to be stuck, it might as well be with someone funny and positive!
You are featured in the NY Times or your national newspaper. What’s the headline? Portland Nurse Invents Body Fluid-Repelling Scrubs, Hospital Leadership Asking Why No One Thought of This Earlier
What would be your theme song? Sleep on the Floor by The Lumineers
Imagine if you were an animal – which would you be and why? I’d be an elephant. They’re my favorite animals – majestic, maternal, and unhurried.
What is your hope for your experience volunteering with CMMB? I hope to expand the community-based maternal child health program in Trujillo and to train local women to continue the project and empower them to improve the health of their communities.
Favorite quote: “Work is love made visible.” -Kahlil Gibran
What book should everyone read? Why? The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. The author, a physician and practitioner of Toltec philosophy, lays out the four very simple agreements one must make with oneself in order to achieve fulfillment spiritual enlightenment.
Who would you like to play you in the movie of your life? Judy Dench (it would have to be a memoir!)
What is your hope for the future? On a global level, I hope that we learn to conserve and replenish our earth. I hope that we learn to protect and care for one other not out of feelings of obligation or selfish motives, but out of pure love and moral responsibility toward each person within our communities. I hope to see the day in which we celebrate the human mosaic rather than war over our differences, in which we are peaceful toward everyone, and in which every person has their basic needs met.
Favorite speech or Ted talk: Amy Cuddy: “Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are”
If you could solve one world problem, what would it be? The worldwide epidemic of lack of access to healthcare, but my superpower would be making it sustainable and environmentally neutral.
What are the three things you are most grateful for? My community of friends and family, my good health, and being able to read.
Who is your biggest inspiration? Why? My parents and best friend, Nicole-I know I’m cheating by picking three, but it’s an even split. The three of them inspire me in different ways, but all of them inspire me to be a better person.