Sometimes, it’s not the big things that change your life. For instance, a simple moment is enough. Claire Celestin is an honorary student of the Northeastern University. She, of course, is no exception to this unspoken truth. A Peruvian midwife had bought in the change.
The condition of all the hospitals in Peru is derogatory, crude, however, it is normalised within the four walls. The process of crowning taking place in the dingy hallways. A male doctor is called, if only when the women’s efforts are inadequate. The doctor even has the audacity to push on the woman’s stomach. What’s more, midwifery and home births are illegal. Celestin had commenced her three-month internship in Cusco, a foreign place, when along came Ruro. Ruro is a trained obstetrician-gynecologist, acting as a midwife in these hospitals. She has the uncanny skills of natural remedies and tactics of mindfulness. She influenced Celestin and her perspective. Celestin, on her return, had a personal statement submitted to the committee.
Claire received a Marshall Scholarship. She plans on taking up advanced degrees, on women and children’s health. Celestin aspires to be the unafraid voice for the women. Above all, she hopes to open the doors of positivity and opportunity for girls and women all over the World. Surprised at winning this award, Celestin claims that the event made quite a permanent impact on her. She, consequently, vows to use this amazing opportunity to pursue her passionate dream of improving women and children’s health.
Joanna Iacono has sung praises for Celestin. As the director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, Iacono says, “During the moment, significant implications imperils the gains women achieve and is for the well-being of one-half of human beings. Claire has the potential to be a healer that the world would need”.
Pranjali Wakde