What college/university are you attending and what made you choose it?
Swarthmore College. I choose Swarthmore for its small close-knit community. Swarthmore fosters a community that is rooted in collaboration, relationship building, and support. As a queer immigrant, these things are very important to me as I continue to explore my identity.
What are your career aspirations?
I want to go into the healthcare field determined to transform the service of healthcare and the quality of queer immigrants' lives by implementing policy changes in the healthcare system to cultivate acceptance and inclusion for all. Many healthcare facilities are ill-equipped to manage the concerns of patients with intersectional identities, including language barriers, deportation for undocumented immigrants, financial concerns, misgendering of transgender individuals, and much more. It is important to understand and treat each patient based on their specific combination of socioeconomic and cultural determinants including race, gender, sexuality, and immigration status. Understanding this will lead to the development of programs, legal action, policy reforms, and community-based health initiatives that provide quality services. I want to be a part of this revolution of change.
What is a fun fact about you that few people know?
I am bilingual - I speak English and Khmer.
In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?
In my spare time, I love to spend it with friends, going on a hiking/running, and self-care!
How are you practicing self-care during this difficult time?
I have been able to practice self-care through journaling and rest. My other form of self-care is through spending time with my community. During these times, isolation and separation from community can be very difficult, I have been able to cultivate a sense of community with friends through zoom, virtual movie night, FaceTime, and more.
How are you adjusting to remote life and what are your tips to stay motivated?
Adjusting to a remote lifestyle can definitely be challenging. My biggest tip to stay motivated is to maintain a sense of routine - meaning getting ready, putting on clothes, making breakfast, etc even if you are home. This helps you hold on to a sense of normality. This helps your body and brain feel more awake and motivated. Also remote lifestyle doesn't mean isolation or separation, still find time to connect with your friends and community virtually! Connection is more important than ever so continue to maintain and foster relationships with others.
As a Point Scholar, what is your message to other LGBTQ+ students?
Don't be afraid to be your truest most authentic self.
This post’s responses were submitted by Point Scholar Darid Prom.
Prom is currently undeclared at Swarthmore College. Read more about Darid here.