Kaylen's Volunteer Trip in Mongolia

I've been very fortunate to have received an amazing opportunity to participate in a research project in Mongolia this October.  I have been working with a professor and med student that I met through my time at the University of Southern California.  Our project aims to elucidate the cultural and individual-specific aspects of mental health among Mongolian women especially related to post partum depression (PPD).   During my time there I will work to administer indepth interviews to women in Ulaan Baatar and surrounding rural communities.   These interviews are designed to understand the impacts that PPD has on women in Mongolian communities and what the disease means within this cultural context.   This project is very important as there have not been any studies conducted to understand PPD in Mongolia.  Our research has the potential to provide information that is pertinent to improving health outcomes and lowering cost of health outreach.  

I am so excited to go and I can't believe that I have this opportunity.  I know that I will learn a lot but that I can also contribute a lot as well.   I would really help any contribution you can provide to help me manage the cost of the trip.  I will use whatever funds I receive to assist in covering for my accommodations, flight, living expenses for the 6 weeks I will be there.  Also, living in San Diego has made me thouroughly ill equipped to handle the frigid temperatures in Mongolia during the Fall.  Therefore, I will use the money to buy some warm clothes!   Thank you all for your help! I can't wait to share my experience with everyone and to have the opportunity to help people!