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Eugenia’s Journey
Written By: Jenny King | Issue: 2016/10 - October | Photograph By: Marjorie Christiansen Photography
Maria Eugenia Carrasco came to Highlands in 1971 at the age of 17 as an exchange student from Mexico City. She had already graduated high school but could speak no English.
When she got to Highlands School she went through the second grade, the fourth grade, the ninth grade and graduated with the senior class.
“I had to be with the second graders because I didn’t know the language,” she says. “I had to learn phonics, spelling and reading.”
She still sees her original host family that now lives in Texas and goes back to see her own family in Mexico City, but Highlands is her home. It’s where she raised her three children with husband Jerry Green.
When Eugenia first moved to Highlands there weren’t very many native Spanish speaking people in town. As the population grew she found herself in the role of translator for local businesses, doctors and the police department and her assistance was in great demand.
With the formation of the Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers in 2005, she dedicated most of her volunteer hours to serving the staff and patients.
“As soon as they opened I tried to get involved,” she says. “I am always connected with the Hispanic community. They’re my people.”
Eugenia works full time at the Highland Hiker and says with the advent of on-demand telephone translation lines her services are not needed quite as often, but she still visits the Community Care Clinic. Patients are intimidated when they think they are not being understood so she will sometimes go and chat with clients simply to make them more comfortable.
The clinic, which is located off Buck Creek Road in Highlands, provides medical assistance to low-income and uninsured residents of our area and dispenses limited medications on site. It is open every Thursday beginning at 4:00 P.M.
The clinic is staffed by local doctors and nurses who volunteer their time as well as administrative staff who are on site Monday through Friday. To make an appointment or to see how you might support the Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers call them at (828) 526-1991.
