Caroline addressed childhood nutrition and exercise in the East Lake community by adding a nutrition curriculum to PEER, Inc’s summer camp. This program helped children from 2nd grade to high school learn how to exercise safely and eat healthy given their limited access to food and materials. She then led small group sessions with the East Lake After School program, with sessions on healthy cooking demos, sports lessons led by college athletes, and some yoga and pet therapy.  Students were empowered to take care of their bodies and their minds, while also sharing what they learned with their families, leading to a larger change in the community.

As a result of the program:

• 35 students increased consumption of 3 or more healthy foods per week
• 30 students replaced one more sugary beverages per day
• 30 students increased physical activity for 30 minutes 3 or more times per week

A UABSOM student will continue the nutrition and physical education lessons through East Lake Tutoring Program for her Health Equity Scholars Project.

“Graduate school tends to be a selfish time, where the focus is growing your own wealth of knowledge. Schweitzer has allowed an opportunity to not only serve a population, but to be around other students who are also passionate about creating change. My experience being a Schweitzer Fellow has opened my eyes to many potential projects that one could take on. It seems that every week I see another project that I could do. While this can be discouraging, I have realized that seeing these opportunities, for a lack of a better word, is a really cool way to live. My dad has always said that being comfortable is a bad thing. If I am just living day by day being “comfortable” in my world and not acknowledging the challenges other people are facing, I am doing a disservice to myself. After this fellowship, I plan to stay out of my comfort zone, see the challenges that humans face, and do my best to lend that helping hand. Realistically, I know that throughout my life, I will not solve all humanities’ problems, but I feel optimistic that just seeing them and acting in whatever way I can, will lead to a more fulfilling life.”