Stefanie Vidal, 2022 SAF intern
NC Farmworkers' Project
Sweaty scrubs, mosquito bites, and long late-night rides. This is what a typical day in the Benson office looks like. My day usually consists of doing interpretation and outreach and I realize my hard work is worth it after seeing many receive the care they deserve. Many farmworkers are unaware of the resources that are available to them, making outreach essential. I realize outreach is a never-ending process since there are constantly new workers that arrive throughout the year.
During the documentary visit we made to a labor camp in June, I met sincere and hard-working farmworkers who are looking for a better future, and I got to personally hear about their experiences in the fields. They shared about having to drastically adjust to a new environment and leaving their loved ones behind, and about struggling to make ends meet, especially when there isn’t enough rain. Pay mostly varies, meaning farmworkers are unable to depend on a fixed amount of money. Many H-2A farmworkers live on the hope of returning to their loved ones to make up for the time that they have lost. While farmworkers come from different places, together they work for the same goal – a better future.
Throughout my time in Benson, I have grown an admiration for farmworkers and am proud to be part of the NC Farmworkers' Project. I am proud to be the bridge that connects farmworkers to health care access. I work to promote better health and overall well-being for farmworkers. There is much work to be done, but one camp at a time, everything is possible.