Salud, a Spanish word meaning “health,” is more than just a word at the University of Pennsylvania. It is a way of life, a community, and a support system for students of all backgrounds. One person who has experienced the positive impact of Salud is Neil Gajare, a student at UPenn. Despite facing challenges and discrimination, Neil has found a home in Salud and has become an advocate for its mission of inclusivity and support.
Neil Gajare, a senior at UPenn, has been a part of Salud since his freshman year. He was drawn to the organization’s mission of promoting health and wellness among Latinx and other marginalized communities on campus. As a person of Indian descent, Neil has faced discrimination and microaggressions, but Salud has been a safe haven for him. “Salud has been a place where I can be myself without fear of judgment or discrimination,” Neil says.
One of the most significant positive experiences Neil has had with Salud was during his sophomore year when he faced an incident of anti-Semitism on campus. He was devastated and felt alone, but Salud was there to support him. They organized a panel discussion on combating hate and discrimination, and Neil was one of the speakers. “It was an empowering experience to share my story and educate others about the impact of hate speech,” Neil shares. Salud also provided him with emotional support and connected him with resources to help him cope with the incident. “I am grateful to Salud for being there for me during a difficult time,” Neil adds.
Salud has also played a significant role in Neil‘s personal and academic growth. Through their various programs and events, Neil has learned about different cultures, health issues, and social justice topics. “Salud has broadened my perspective and helped me become a more empathetic and culturally competent individual,” Neil says. He has also been able to develop leadership skills by organizing events and workshops for Salud. “Being a part of Salud has given me the opportunity to make a positive impact on my community,” Neil adds.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Salud is its inclusivity. The organization welcomes students of all backgrounds and creates a sense of belonging for everyone. “Salud has a diverse and welcoming community, and I have made some of my closest friends through this organization,” Neil shares. Salud also collaborates with other student organizations to promote diversity and inclusivity on campus. “Through our collaborations, we have been able to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students,” Neil adds.
Salud also offers various resources and services to support the physical and mental well-being of its members. They have a wellness center where students can access free health screenings, counseling services, and educational resources. “Salud has been a valuable resource for me, especially during stressful times like midterms and finals,” Neil says. The organization also hosts yoga and meditation sessions, which have helped Neil manage his stress and improve his overall well-being.
Apart from promoting health and wellness, Salud is also actively involved in community service. They organize volunteer opportunities for students to give back to the local Latinx community. “Being a part of Salud has allowed me to make a positive impact not only on campus but also in the wider community,” Neil shares. Through their community service events, Salud has been able to build bridges and foster relationships with the local Latinx community.
In conclusion, Salud is more than just an organization at UPenn; it is a family. It has provided a sense of belonging, support, and personal growth for its members, including Neil Gajare. Through their mission of promoting health and wellness, Salud has created a positive and inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds. “I am grateful to Salud for all the positive experiences and opportunities it has provided me with,” Neil says. Salud truly embodies its name, promoting not just physical health but also mental, emotional, and social well-being.
