Format for Printing     Student Name: Ricardo Rodriguez Grant Advisor: Michele Acker Student Status: Masters Student Quarter: Spring 2003 PART I. Leadership Activity: Tito Rodriguez, an environmental health specialist from the Yakima Health District, called me 2 summers ago to ask me if I was interested in working in a research project founded by the UW. The project consisted in screening and implementing an education program related to the exposure of pesticides in migrant workers and their families (specially children) in the lower valley of Yakima. I accepted the proposal with the idea in mind that this sounded like an interesting project where I could share some of my nursing abilities. My part of the project consisted in creating education material based on the risk of exposure to pesticides of these families. We created brochures, drawings, and handouts in Spanish to reach this population. I had the opportunity to go to their houses and explain the material to them. I did not continue for the entire project but I did home visits and translation materials into Spanish. Population-based Approaches Primary Prevention Programs Outcome: This was my first research project participation where I took a role of educator and nurse to this population. It gave me the responsability to screen, assess and educate families regarding the exposure of pesticides while spraying the fields. Not only in the fields but also how this could affect the home environment. It gave me the opportunity to voice my opinion about how to reach these families keepng in mind their level of education, language and beliefs system. PART II. Cultural Competence Cultural Acknoledgement and Respect Additional Activity: This project definitely involved elements of cultural competence. We had to create educating material to families that came from Mexico and Central America. We had to assess not only their knowledge about pesticides but respect their culture and beliefs, specially since I was doing home visits. We had to be precise in the way we were going to present our information to them without disrespecting their social environment. They were very receptive and thankful that we taught them about ways to reduce the risk of pesticides at work and at home. Outcome: This project made me more aware about part of the Mexican migrant culture that come to the United States to work and my own Peruvian culture. It made me aware that even though I spoke their language, we shared different beliefs and costumes. We have different cultures. I plan to keep learning more about them and will try not to stereotype just because I speak Spanish and come from a Latino culture. Faculty Comments: Ricardo, What a great opportunity for you. I am sure Tito Rodriguez realized you would be a good advocate for the migrant families. I will be interested to read your completed project. I also think you make a good point about realizing that Spanish speaking cultures are not all alike - each having unique differences. I imagine that making home visits is a great way to see this first hand. Good job! Michele