India: The Untouchables

My name is Jessie Valentine. I am a student at BYU and I have fallen in love with India.

I have been selected to attend a study abroad in India for the Brigham Young University College of Nursing. This spring and summer my classmates and I will be working with Rising Star Outreach to provide medical attention to those affected with leprosy, and education to the children in the leprosy colonies. Although many may think that leprosy is only a physical disease, they are mistaken. Leprosy is also a socially debilitating disease. Those who live in the leprosy colonies are considered the "Untouchables" in India's lowest caste.

I am beyond excited to serve my friends in India. I have been looking forward to this opportunity since I first heard about it while applying to the College of Nursing a few short years ago. I know that my experiences in India have the potential to shape me into a better nurse. Not only a better nurse, but a better human being. I hope the Lord will continue to use me as an instrument in his hands while serving there.

If you would like to make donations on my behalf to help cover tuition and travel expenses, you can do so here. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!