Presbyterian College junior Lydia Awadalla’s internship with Prisma Health in Greenville is more than just a step toward medical school—it’s a chance to make a real difference in patients’ lives.
A biology major with minors in both chemistry and Spanish, Awadalla exemplifies the power of a liberal arts education in preparing students to bridge cultural and professional divides.
Awadalla, who was born in Egypt and now calls Greenville home, has been interning with Prisma Health since last summer. Her role involves shadowing interpreters in the Spanish department, assisting in critical areas such as emergency rooms and OBGYN clinics. She also uses her knowledge of the hospital layout from previous volunteer work to help connect interpreters with the patients and staff who need them most.
“It’s not just about understanding the science of the human body,” said Awadalla. “It’s about connecting with people, understanding their needs, and ensuring they feel seen and heard.”
A Multilingual Approach to Care
One of Awadalla’s standout qualities is her ability to speak Spanish and Arabic, which has proven invaluable in a healthcare setting where language barriers can create critical challenges.
Each time she steps into the emergency room, Awadalla witnesses the difficulty faced by non-English-speaking patients.
“There are often not enough interpreters available,” she explained. “Sometimes I’ve had to step in, even as an intern, to help patients communicate basic but essential needs.”
Her dedication to patient care is rooted in her belief that effective communication is foundational to healthcare. Awadalla recounted a particularly challenging moment early in her internship when she had to assist a patient at the front desk who spoke no English and for whom no interpreter was immediately available.
“That was the first time I really used my Spanish in a meaningful way,” she said. “It was nerve-wracking, but I realized the training I had from PC and my shadowing experiences prepared me for this moment. I was able to help the patient without interrupting their experience.”
Liberal Arts Education in Action
Awadalla credits her liberal arts education at Presbyterian College for equipping her with the versatility to excel in such situations. Her biology studies provide a strong foundation in science, while her Spanish minor and chemistry coursework have expanded her skill set in unique ways.
“I initially didn’t plan to minor in Spanish,” Awadalla admitted. “But after taking a class, I found it came naturally, and I realized how valuable it could be, especially in healthcare.”
Her experience at PC, she said, is marked by a sense of community that fosters both academic and personal growth. “Being at a small school has its advantages,” she said. “You see familiar faces, you get to know your professors, and that kind of support helps you grow in ways beyond academics.”
Awadalla also praised PC’s Office of Career and Professional Development, which helped her identify and secure the Prisma Health internship.
“I knew I wanted to do something related to Spanish and healthcare, but I didn’t know where to start,” she said. “The career center guided me through the process.”
Bridging Cultures, Improving Lives
As a first-generation Egyptian-American, Awadalla knows firsthand the challenges of navigating unfamiliar systems in a new country. She sees her work as a way of giving back and making the healthcare experience less daunting for others, especially those from immigrant backgrounds.
Her ability to speak Arabic adds another layer of value to her future medical aspirations.
“It’s a privilege to be able to help people in multiple languages,” she said. “Whether it’s Spanish, Arabic, or English, the goal is the same—to make sure patients feel understood and cared for.”
Awadalla believes her cultural and linguistic skills will also give her a competitive edge as she applies to medical schools. “Being able to connect with patients on a cultural level is just as important as diagnosing their medical conditions,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Awadalla’s long-term goal is to become a doctor, a dream she acknowledges will require years of rigorous study and training. But her time at Prisma Health has only strengthened her resolve.
“This internship has shown me what it truly means to serve others,” she said. “It’s not just about giving help; it’s about giving the right kind of help, tailored to each person’s unique needs.”
Awadalla’s journey is a testament to the value of blending technical expertise with human compassion. Through her work, she is not only breaking down language barriers but also building bridges of understanding—one patient at a time.
For Awadalla, the path forward is clear: continue learning, continue serving, and continue striving to make a difference.
“I don’t know exactly where I’ll end up,” she said. “But I know I’ll be helping people, and that’s what matters most.”
Presbyterian College’s Commitment
Awadalla’s story also underscores the broader mission of PC to encourage students to think critically, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. By supporting students like Awadalla, the college reaffirms its commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders in fields ranging from healthcare to public service.
As Awadalla herself put it, “Wherever you feel most comfortable and supported, that’s where you should be. For me, that place is PC.”
