Introducing myself and my journal: Follow Your Heart

Susan Studebaker

Follow Your Heart

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• Introduction

About Me:
My name is Susan. I am a Nurse Practitioner and Nurse-Midwfie in Texas. I worked as a volulnteer with a women's cooperative in Nicaragua for about 15 years. I am now working with a midwifery training program in Matagalpa, designed to improve the skills of traditional midwives by pairing them with mentors from the health centers. I believe firmly that you don't have to have many years of training to become a good health worker-- but you do need training. In addition, you need respect from your colleagues, whether they be other midvies, physicians, or nurses. This program is aimed to address those two issues.

I believe that women should be encouraged to do the things they want to do; by accompanying and supporting them in their journeys, they (and we) grow towards a better life and world in which to live. Many things are hard to do alone but, with others, they are possible.

I entitled my journal "Follow Your Heart" because when I took the first leap (following my heart) to go to Nicaragua the first time, that experience changed my life. I have found that when I want to do something but become scared and don't do it, I always feel that I have missed a good experience so now, I do try to follow my heart!

My Passions:
Gently guiding women to be all they wish to be; women's empowerment, education, and self-worth

My Challenges:
Bureaucracy, negativism, hate

My Areas of Expertise:
women's health, midwifery, community health, health education