The Arc of Massachusetts is launching a new series today: the Operation House Call Student of the Month. Each month, we will be profiling one student who has taken part in OHC and shared the impact that the program has had on them.
Name: Valeria (Val) Ortiz Jimenez
School: Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Class of 2027
“As I reflect on our conversation with Z, I can’t help but think of how we, as a society, are often quick to label people with disabilities as objects of care, intentionally or unintentionally. We look at parents and almost want to offer extra support or say, ‘that must be hard.’ While I do not want to diminish the hardships that parents, families, and patients encounter as they battle against a system that is not built for them, I want to highlight the idea that we have so much to learn from patients with disabilities.
It is easier, within our human intuition, to offer help or try to provide support and problem-solve, but I’m realizing how hard it can be to receive joy, teachings, deep love, and blessings from these patients.
I’m extremely passionate about the work OHC is doing, and in response, would love to continue partnering with you in the time I have left here at Harvard.”
