As soon as I discovered KINES 414: Interdisciplinary Study of Street Medicine, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. I have always loved medicine, and this course introduced me to a type of medical practice I had never experienced before. What I didn’t realize when I was accepted was that this class would teach me so much more than medicine. Through this journey, I learned empathy, the power of community, kindness, the importance of advocacy, and I even learned how to weave a basket. After taking time to reflect on these experiences, I am eager to share the moments that have impacted me the most.
My trip began on Saturday, October 18, when my plane landed at Los Angeles International Airport. That day, I explored the beautiful city of Pasadena, California, before joining the Los Angeles chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association to watch the Penn State vs. Iowa football game. During this gathering, I was able to connect with alumni, classmates, and professors in a relaxed, welcoming setting. On Sunday, I continued exploring—this time in Glendale, California—before our group officially began our mission that evening.
That night, we packed bags filled with essential items such as hygiene products, food, cat and dog treats, and Bombas socks—all generously donated by companies, sponsors, families, and friends. These bags would later be distributed to individuals experiencing homelessness throughout the week. Early Monday morning, we visited the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, where we met with Corrine Feldman, who provided us with an in-depth understanding of the framework behind street medicine. She equipped our class with the knowledge, perspective, and compassion needed to guide us through the experiences ahead.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, I had the opportunity to visit several homeless shelters to learn more about their operations, engage in meaningful conversations with individuals experiencing homelessness, and provide donations. I also joined a street medicine team composed of a physician assistant, a community health worker, and a medical assistant. Throughout the day, I observed a variety of appointments and gained valuable insight into how street medicine operates and the challenges providers face when delivering care in these settings.
Thursday was the day everything truly began to sink in. While visiting another shelter, I met a woman named Cece. She was nearly the same age as me, yet her circumstances were vastly different—she was homeless. Our team was distributing clothing that day, and Cece walked in with the most bubbly, charismatic personality. I helped her look through the clothing, holding up items I thought she would love. Talking with her felt so natural, as if I were chatting with one of my best friends. By the end, we had picked out several pieces for her new wardrobe, and she gave me a warm hug. The next time I saw Cece, she was sitting quietly, focused on what looked like strands of string in her hands. When I approached her, she explained that she weaves baskets out of palm fronds that fall from trees. I was amazed by her creativity and talent—she even gave me a short tutorial.
What impacted me the most was when it came time to leave. Cece hugged me tightly and said, “Don’t ever let your kindness or passion fade. You were brought here for a reason.” Those words have stayed with me ever since. It was moments like these that made me realize how important and meaningful our mission was. Similar to weaving a basket, street medicine brings together strands of compassion, advocacy, medicine, and community support to create a network of care for people who are often overlooked.
Throughout the rest of the trip, I continued forming friendships with my classmates, exploring California, and even had a meditation session on Venice Beach.
As the week came to a close and our flight home drew near, I found myself reflecting on all of the people, stories, and emotions that I will always hold close to my heart. What began as an academic opportunity quickly became something much deeper. This trip was a reminder that humanity connects us all. Street medicine taught me that healing extends far beyond prescriptions and diagnoses. It’s found in shared laughter and stories, a moment of listening more than you speak, and in the simple act of showing up with compassion for others.
I often think back to Cece’s words and her story, and it reminds me why I chose this path in the first place. Every experience from this trip—the lessons, friendships, and connections—have intertwined to form something lasting within me. As I continue my journey in medicine, I will carry the spirit of street medicine with me, to see everyone with empathy, serve with purpose, and remembering that even small acts of kindness strengthen community. My time in Los Angeles may have come to an end, but the lessons I learned there will stay with me, woven permanently into the person I am and will become.
About the Author
Savannah Brion is a graduating senior at Penn State, majoring in kinesiology with a minor in biology. She is actively involved in the College of Health and Human Development, where she serves as vice president of the College of Health and Human Development Honor Society. Savannah demonstrates her passion for patient care and medicine as a certified medical assistant in primary care at Mount Nittany Health. Following graduation, she will be attending physician assistant school to continue her journey in medicine.