“I thought I would face it alone, until I realized I never truly was.”

When Andy Arbues, a Master of Development Policy (MDP) student from the Philippines, first heard she needed an ovarian cystectomy in early February, the cold wasn’t the only thing sending chills through her. "Can I do this all alone?" she asked herself. Having recently started her studies at KDI School in Fall 2024, she didn’t want to bother anyone. Her friends had academic demands, and she wasn’t sure how the process worked in a foreign country.

Worried about costs and logistics, Andy mentally prepared to go through the surgery by herself. But what unfolded next was a journey that revealed the heart of the KDIS community – one she now calls her second home.

An Efficient System — and Unexpected Warmth

Once admitted to the hospital, Andy was surprised by how smooth everything was. “It was so efficient,” she said. “The schedule, the procedures – everything was systematic and patient-centered. The doctors were professional, and the insurance helped manage the costs immensely.”

Despite initial fears of language barriers, Andy found reassurance through a pillar of support – Nurse Kim Taesub. “He was my anchor,” she recalls. “He translated, referred me to an English-speaking doctor, and helped me navigate unfamiliar systems with patience.” For Andy, the experience was not just about medical care but about human connection.

Support That Came Knocking

Although she hadn’t told many people beforehand, her friends and classmates quickly found out and were deeply concerned. “They were shocked when they found out I was already at the hospital,” she said with a smile. “I didn’t want to bother them, but they showed up anyway.”

After returning to the dorms, Andy felt the warmth of her "Filipino family" and friends from other countries. Her roommate went above and beyond to care for her. “Every meal felt like love.”

Staff members also stepped in. Ms. Kim Yein explained how to claim private insurance, significantly reducing the financial burden. Ms. Kim Hyunjoo checked in frequently. Nurse Kim not only stayed connected during Andy’s hospital stay – “They even assisted me with the discharge procedure and accompanied me back to my dormitory room,” Andy recalls, “and it made all the difference.”

A New Perspective on KDIS

Before the surgery, Andy saw KDI School as a place of excellence and academic rigor. “It felt structured, even a bit impersonal,” she said. “But through this experience, I saw the soul of the school.”

She described KDIS as more than a graduate institution. “It’s a home filled with people who stand by you, even in your most vulnerable moments. I’m not just learning about governance, intervention, and development – I’m also learning about humanity.”

A Heartfelt Message

When asked if she had a message for those who helped her, Andy said, “I cannot imagine how difficult this journey would have been without your kindness and genuine care. Thank you for making a challenging time feel lighter and warmer. Your generosity and support will always stay in my heart.”

More Than Just Recovery

Andy says she didn’t just heal physically; she experienced something deeper. “This experience deepened my gratitude and strengthened my faith. I’ve felt God’s presence through the people who showed up for me. It reminded me that even in a foreign land, I’m never truly alone.” In a school filled with students striving to change the world, Andy’s story is a reminder of the power of compassion – and how community can become the greatest source of healing.

“I thought I would face it alone, until I realized I never truly was.”

That line, once a quiet reflection, now echoes as a testament to the spirit of KDIS.