Few high schoolers can say that they know how to put in an IV. Even fewer know how to operate an anesthesia machine, but Jaya Barry ‘24 is the exception.
At 18 years old, Barry has been on four medical missions to three different countries.
Barry’s mother is an anesthesiologist and has taken Barry on her trips, run by an organization called Mending Faces, since 2015. Their latest expedition took place in October of 2022.
“I like it because when you go on vacation, you might meet some of the people who run tourist organizations,” Barry said. “But you don’t get to connect with them. You might interact with them a little bit, but on these trips, you meet the families, you see the kids multiple days in a row.”
These trips were far from vacations. Each time, Barry pitched in by assisting her mom and the team of doctors throughout a hectic week.
“The things that I get to do during these sessions aren’t things that I’d ever get to do otherwise,” Barry said. “I know how to put in an IV, I know how to use an anesthesia machine. I’ve seen surgeries. I helped with the post-op process.”
In post-op, Barry assisted many of the young patients after their procedures.
“I really enjoyed being in the PACU, which is where the patients go to wake up from anesthesia,” Barry said. “Being there and supporting them as they wake up and keeping them calm, but also monitoring their vitals. I really enjoyed getting to do that.”
Barry’s trips provide free medical aid to people in areas of the world without access to the same resources that many Americans enjoy.
“Most of the trips I’ve been on have been with an organization that provides cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries to kids in the area,” Barry said. “And the purpose is to help them have a better life.”
On each trip, Barry got to bond with the kids as they awaited their surgeries.
“You get to connect with them and learn more about them, and play with the kids and keep them from being scared or worried about what they’re about to go into,” Barry said. “They’re grateful for what you’re doing, and I’m grateful to be there and to get to meet them.”
The Mending Faces organization provides surgeries for children to improve their quality of life. However, it also offers opportunities for them to receive an education.
“There are also scholarships provided by this organization to help them go to school and be successful in the world, do what they want to do, and have opportunities that they might not have otherwise,” Barry said.
Beyond providing care and opportunities for patients, these trips taught Barry more about herself.
“Those memories of the people I’ve connected with the most are probably the most impactful for me,” Barry said. “I really enjoyed getting to know them and hearing their stories.”
Although Barry is only 18, she’s already had the opportunity to make a difference for those in need. She’s had experiences that few teenagers can relate to yet.
“It’s basic human emotions, regardless of language or country, you’re all feeling them. So that allows you to connect,” Barry said. “This has shown me that there are very few differences between these people and us.”