In an extensive experience shadowing my dermatologist, I was exposed to the work life of a doctor as well as their practice. I continued my interest in the field of dermatology through observing, studying, and then being able to diagnose patients, inject local anesthesia, assist with surgical procedures, and remove various kinds of skin cancer myself. Most importantly, I learned that the first step of patient care is creating a connection and allowing your patient to have trust in you.

As one of the 16 chosen members of the 2023 Exploring Leadership Cohort, I elevated my abilities as a young adult through a higher level of networking, public speaking, facilitation, and adaption. During my time as a youth fellow, I encountered many new experiences. In the span of 6 weeks, I connected and worked alongside 15 other students, conducted interviews in both professional and street settings, carried out a logic study on the SF Department of Elections, interned at the USF Leo T. McCarthy Center, expanded my network tenfold, and finally, researched extensively and carried out our community action project targeting youth houselessness in San Francisco. Exploring Leadership gave me the opportunity to learn through a multitude of sources from my peers to my mentors so that I may use the tools that I obtained to continue on a path of impact in my community.

In a cohort consisting of myself and 5 other high schoolers who live in District 7 San Francisco, we met weekly over the span of 2 months under the guidance of a teacher to create our own community action project, a trash pick-up day in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood. This project was made to target environmental justice in our city, Bayview-Hunters Point being one of the most prominent areas of it. After our pick-up day, we hosted a presentation explaining our process and educating on environmental justice, a topic that is highly ignored.

Led activities such as arts and crafts, sports, cooking, gardening, facility support, keeping the kids safe and happy, connecting with the kids, and being a good influence.