Mary Elizabeth Porter
B.S. in Language and International Health | Spanish Concentration
Clemson University, December 2025
Cultural Artifacts
Analysis of Mudéjar Style Art in El Museo del Greco
I wrote this essay with one of my classmates, Helen Voss, while we were studying abroad in Toledo, Spain. This assignment was for my Christian, Muslim, Jewish Art class, which analyzed the religious influence of various buildings and works of art in Toledo. The primary goal of this essay was to examine how the architecture of the El Greco Museum displayed aspects of mudéjar art, which is a style of ornamentation characterized by its blend of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences. While writing this essay, I learned about the significance of certain religious symbols and practices, such as the use of the Rub el Hizb in Islamic art and architecture. This deepened my understanding of the influence that religion has on many aspects of one’s beliefs and self-expression, including artistic expression. In the future, I will use this knowledge to shape my understanding of how religion may also affect a patient’s health beliefs. In addition, this artifact strengthened my ability to work with others and be receptive to outside perspectives, which will be beneficial in fostering a collaborative work environment.
Linguistic Artifacts
Descripción y análisis de la organización y funcionamiento del sistema de salud ecuatoriano: Una revisión de la literatura
I wrote this literature review for my Technical Spanish for Health Management Professionals class. The focus of this essay was to provide a detailed analysis of the structure, function, and history of the Ecuadorian healthcare system. Through this assignment, I learned about a major health reform in Ecuador that led to the implementation of free public healthcare. Furthermore, this essay strengthened my ability to write in an academic tone in Spanish and use complex sentence structure. During the research process for this literature review, I read many journal articles in Spanish, which helped to expand my vocabulary. As a result, I can use these reading skills to translate documents with scientific or complex vocabulary. Considering how language barriers can result in health disparities, I hope to use this ability to be able to ensure that Spanish-speaking patients receive quality care.
Infografía de esclerosis múltiple
This infographic, which I made for my Spanish for Health Professionals class, provides a brief description of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and describes how the disease presents differently in various populations. The goal of this assignment was to create a flyer that could be used to inform the general public about MS. In particular, this infographic explores the fact that this disease is much more prevalent in women, which highlights the need for further medical research regarding this topic. During the research process for this infographic, I learned the vocabulary necessary to describe how MS affects the nervous system and how its progression is influenced by a certain genetic variant. In addition, I improved my ability to summarize health information in Spanish. In the future, I can use these skills to explain complex information to Spanish-speaking patients using simplified language.
Public Health Artifacts
Pressbooks Chapter: Exploring Maternal Health in Prisons and Jails
I worked with a classmate, Skylar Parker, to develop this Pressbooks chapter for my Health of At-Risk Children and Families class. The purpose of this chapter was to provide insight into the various factors that affect the health of pregnant incarcerated women. Through this collaboration with my classmate, I was able to strengthen my communication and team-building skills. While analyzing the existing literature regarding this topic, we considered how various prevention programs align with the Social Ecological Model. Completing this assignment expanded my knowledge surrounding the health barriers that pregnant incarcerated women face, including stigma and inadequate prenatal care. In the future, I can use this knowledge to consider my patient’s individual experiences and to provide empathetic, compassionate care. In addition, during the writing process for this chapter, I learned how to describe complex information at an appropriate reading level for multiple age groups. Considering the various age groups that utilize healthcare services, it will be beneficial to be able to explain health concepts using concise and simple language.
Perceptions of HIV in Cape Town, South Africa
This essay, which I wrote for my Medical Anthropology class, examines how cultural beliefs affect the perception of HIV in South Africa. The primary source of information used in this essay was the documentary A Future Without HIV: Investigating South Africa (HIV Pandemic Documentary), which follows several South African individuals as they discuss their experiences with the disease. The documentary describes how certain cultural beliefs may contribute to the spread of HIV, with one individual stating how traditional South African healers do not believe HIV medication is necessary and therefore encourage their clients to discontinue its use. While writing this essay, I learned about how culture and social beliefs can affect chosen treatment methods, prevention techniques, and attitudes towards disease. This assignment also deepened my understanding of how gender norms and economic inequality impact perceptions of HIV. In my future endeavors, I can use this knowledge to provide culturally competent care that considers all the factors associated with my patient’s beliefs surrounding a particular health issue.