¡Saludos! My name is Wesly, although I go by Wes. I was born in Puerto Rico and have spent most of my life in New Haven, Connecticut. I currently attend Connecticut College, where I am a first-generation Pre-Health student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a double major in Neuroscience and Biochemistry, Cellular & Molecular Biology.
In the summer of 2026, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer with Hands On Peru for one month through Hands to Care. I was able to immerse myself in Peruvian culture, learn from and shadow Peruvian physicians, and serve alongside the incredible healthcare professionals at Huanchaco’s CESAPU.
I chose to volunteer with Hands On Peru because I wanted to step outside of what was familiar to me and better understand the realities of healthcare in a different community. I wanted to learn not only from the healthcare professionals I worked alongside, but also from the people and culture that make Huanchaco so special. I approached the experience with the hope that I could contribute in some small way while remaining open to learning from the community around me.
My month in Peru left me with far more than memories and stories to bring home. It gave me a deeper appreciation for service, community, and the importance of making meaningful connections across cultures. I knew that I did not want my involvement with Peru to end when I boarded my flight home. I wanted to find a way to continue giving back, even from thousands of miles away.
That is why I am so excited to serve as a Volunteer Coordinator with Hands On Peru. I hope to encourage others to step outside of their comfort zones, serve communities that may be unfamiliar to them, and discover their own meaningful ways to give back.
