Community Blooms in Lima

Ian's fourth week with MEDLIFE celebrates the completion of a garden and mural project that transformed a school and its neighborhood.

Week Four: Garden and Mural Complete

This past week was amazing. Working on the garden project for three days let Ian see the progression of what MEDLIFE started and the amount of time, money, and energy that went into it. He was impressed with the relationships MEDLIFE has created and maintains with the community, school, and municipality—all supporting this project and the clinics in the surrounding area. At completion, they celebrated with children, teachers, and community at an inauguration of the wall and garden, watching both projects already make a big impact on the children and surrounding community.

Ian's Journey

Week Four in Lima
Community impact, cultural discovery, and unforgettable moments

Garden Inauguration

Garden Inauguration

Children and teachers gathered to celebrate the completion of the garden and mural project, witnessing firsthand the impact of three weeks of dedicated community work.

Magical Water Circuit

Magical Water Circuit

The Circuito Mágico del Agua illuminated the night with water and light shows that told Peru's story through gardens, fountains, and projected designs across the mist.

Red Bull Flugtag

Red Bull Flugtag

Homemade flying crafts launched over the Pacific at Playa Agua Dulce, with Ian and the team earning a VIP view and a moment on Peruvian television.

Into the Amazon

With the weekend ending, Ian headed to Iquitos Peru, the world's largest city inaccessible by car—reachable only by air and river. A week away from the clinic work meant time to explore the jungle itself: sunsets bleeding gold across the Amazon, boats cutting through dark water, floating restaurants anchored in the mist. The city revealed itself in small moments—creepy reflection pictures in still water, the hum of the river at dusk. Two days deeper in the jungle still lay ahead, and the anticipation was already electric.

Meet Ian

A University of Vermont student whose passion for community health shaped his path from freshman volunteer to MEDLIFE leader.
Meet Ian

Biology & Community

Ian studies Biology at the University of Vermont with a minor in Community & International Development. Outside the classroom, he finds balance in the mountains—hiking, snowboarding, and camping fuel his spirit.

From Member to President

Ian joined MEDLIFE as a freshman and never looked back. He became Vice President and Brigades Officer, then President of the UVM chapter. Today he mentors two students, volunteers at the pediatric floor of UVM Medical Center, and leads the chapter as a MEDLIFE Volunteer Affairs Intern.

Brigades to Lima

His first brigade to Cusco, Peru changed everything. A second brigade to Esmeraldas, Ecuador deepened his commitment. Now in Lima, Ian connects his biology degree and development studies through sustainable projects that bring medical access to vulnerable communities.
Meet Ian

Biology & Community

Ian studies Biology at the University of Vermont with a minor in Community & International Development. Outside the classroom, he finds balance in the mountains—hiking, snowboarding, and camping fuel his spirit.

From Member to President

Ian joined MEDLIFE as a freshman and never looked back. He became Vice President and Brigades Officer, then President of the UVM chapter. Today he mentors two students, volunteers at the pediatric floor of UVM Medical Center, and leads the chapter as a MEDLIFE Volunteer Affairs Intern.

Brigades to Lima

His first brigade to Cusco, Peru changed everything. A second brigade to Esmeraldas, Ecuador deepened his commitment. Now in Lima, Ian connects his biology degree and development studies through sustainable projects that bring medical access to vulnerable communities.

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