Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Javier Alpuche

The Kenrick Mark Coleman Foundation
Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Javier Alpuche

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Javier Daniel Alpuche. I was born in the lovely town of Corozal with the privilege of growing up in La Isla Bonita — San Pedro and the capital city of Belmopan. My family consists of my two wonderful parents, an intelligent and caring younger brother and a few close cousins and friends I consider family.

I would describe myself as a reserved, easy going, deep thinker who enjoys spending time with those I love. I believe that life is the greatest gift everyone receives as I have had the opportunity of making so many friends on my journey this far.

I am currently in Taiwan pursuing my childhood dream. Of course, I am grateful for all my past experiences and life lessons in Belize and have the firm goal of one day returning to contribute to our country. My most favorite quote is from Albert Einstein: “Try not to become a person of success, rather try to become a person of value”. This motivates me to not just expand myself academically but to be the best person I can.

2. You are currently enrolled at I-Shou Medical University pursuing a Medical Degree. What do you believe is important in this your role?

I believe accessibility to quality medical care is one of the pillars which makes a country great and in Belize we should be aiming to constantly improve the level of health care for our population. A healthy population is critical to the development of our nation. I wish to contribute all my energy and best efforts to this cause.

3. Tell us more about your academic life at this University? How did you receive the scholarship? Why did you choose this particular University? When did you commence studies? What subject areas are focused on? What’s your relationship like with fellow students?

I enrolled at I-Shou Medical University in September of 2016 under the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) Scholarship Program. A career in Medicine was always a dream to me, thus the choice of applying for the medical program was the opportunity of a lifetime.

My program is an intensive 4-year medical program. The first two years focuses on retaining key concepts and core skills a physician must understand before practicing medicine in a hospital setting. In the last two years, we are given the opportunity to apply what we have learned under the guidance of experienced doctors to prepare us for medical practice.

My academic life is very interesting here in Taiwan. It revolves around either being very busy in the classroom or hospital and exploring new places and food in Taiwan. Being here has also provided me the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world, gaining new insights and perspectives on a diversity of topics (as every person has a different story to tell). Being one of the first Belizeans to study Medicine here has the added responsibility to assist new medical students.

4. Describe your transformation process from little Belize to Taiwan?

Traveling across the globe was a little nerve-wrecking at first, leaving behind everyone and everything, including the comfort of my home. Nonetheless, I took this challenge with pride as I felt a sense of obligation as a young Belizean to be bold and brave. My first impression of Taiwan was of amazement as I travelled from a country with a population of a little over 350,000 to a city of more than 2.7 million.

Food was the biggest adjustment for me but with the help of other Belizean students here, I adapted well.

Taiwan is a wonderful country with a general culture of courteousness which I very much admire. I would recommend to any Belizean to visit either for pleasure or study as life here is always pleasant and safe.

5. What are the challenges you are facing as a student at university? Opportunities? How is life as a student in Taiwan?

After the language, the biggest challenge for me as a student in university is managing my time between school and fun. Having a balance is important for a healthy and enjoyable experience. At times, I may find myself missing out on events or trips as I try to remain focused on my studies and this often causes moments of stress. It is therefore very important to balance school and that much deserved break. As an international student, I also have the opportunity to represent Belize in cultural and athletic events. This enriches my experience as my favorite topic of choice when I meet someone new is about Belize and how beautiful our country is.

6. Why is your major important to Belize’s National Development?

I choose to remain optimistic in the potential our country has to develop and healthcare is a very important area in which we must grow. Quality health care is a necessity in our country. In Belize, we must aspire to improve the quality of health services we have to offer as well as further invest and promote “prevention is better than cure”. Taiwan is a great example whereby their focus is not only on treating patients with acute illnesses but screening for high-risk chronic conditions to effectively combat these preventable disease conditions. I have also been taught that as a Doctor we do not treat diseases, we treat patients. This is very important in practice as we must offer a holistic approach to improving a patient’s overall quality of life. I believe these concepts will go a long way in the improvement of services we offer.

I am gaining a wealth of knowledge, experience and different perspectives which I will bring home to contribute and improve the quality of health care.

7. Do you participate in activities with other Belizeans there? Tell us more. How do you uphold Belize’s namesake?

As much as I enjoy life in Taiwan, Belize will always have my heart and I take any opportunity I can to “big up” Belize. Personally, I have attended many cultural events where Belizeans showcase our traditional dishes, clothing and cultural patrimony. I am a member of the Belize student football team here in Taiwan and we compete against other countries’ student teams. Lastly, I also represented Belize in The Committee of International Student Representatives where among other things, I shared knowledge to fellow university students about Belize.

8. In one of my recent articles, I stated: ‘It is important to realize that majority of Belize’s younger populations continue to be very mediocre as it relates to becoming holistically educated and cultured, personally and professionally.’ What’s your perspective on this? What is your personal definition of discipline and excellence?

I see Belize as a country with people filled with great potential. There are many Belizeans around the world accomplishing many great feats and this could be very useful in encouraging other young Belizeans to follow their dreams. While our country may not be in the state everyone may wish for and we must leave our country to access a higher level of education, we must grasp every opportunity afforded to us to not only achieve a university degree but also to learn from other cultures and experiences. We owe it to the development of our Belize.

Education is the key to development and our generation of Belizeans must be determined to become educated not only academically but also spiritually and culturally. We need to educate ourselves and then educate others. Each person has a role to play. We must instill good values, compassion and stewardship to our younger population.

9. What can Belize expect from Javier Alpuche, in let’s say, the next five years? What should be 5 priorities for national sustainable development?

In 5 years, I hope to have accomplished a medical specialization. I will definitely be working to contribute to the improvement of our health care system by providing quality and affordable health care to my Belizean people. We must dream big as a country but also be realistic of our limitations and flaws in order to improve.

Five priorities for national development in my field of studies should be:
1.) Revising our standards of healthcare care in order to effectively distribute medical services to areas with greater need;

2.) Due to our financial situation, we must allocate resources more effectively and with equity to maximize cost effectiveness and improve our medical facilities to optimize treatment;

3.) Improving in the implementation of targeted strategies like screening programs and education for the general public;

4.) We must also improve in our administrative capabilities by incorporating more people in the decision making process and

5.)We must have plans for the future in self-reliance. A medical school for example would provide opportunities for Belizeans they never would have dreamed of. Although this may seem easier said than done, we must shoot for the moon. Even if we miss, we’ll land among the stars.

10. What three words do you have to say to young Belizeans?

Hard work pays!
Many young Belizeans both in Belize and all around the world are doing amazing things. We are more than capable of leaving our mark in the world. Sacrifice today for a better future tomorrow!