“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who come alive.” – Howard Thurman
This week I was reminded of my narrative. When asked what it took to get me to this point, I answered with the literal – application, degree, airplane – and the figurative – passion, excitement, sense of adventure. I realized that it took a lot both literally and emotionally to get me here, here being Global Health Corps and the journey ahead.
But when asked to share my vision statement and my purpose, I remembered that there was much more that brought me to GHC. Growing up, I sustained my own share of physical, mental, and emotional health conditions but was always lucky to have a strong support system to see me through each obstacle. Many others domestically and globally do not have access to the same resources, and I applied to GHC because I believe that health equity is a human right. More than anything, I want to serve as healthy role model for young girls everywhere so that they understand their beauty stems from strength, intelligence, and self-care, not weight and make-up. It is my hope that I can one day serve as a healthy role model that will either prevent girls from experiencing the insecurities I have or to guide them to discovering their own self-love.
Already, I have learned that there are essential actions that make me come alive: women’s empowerment, health empowerment, connecting others to resources, and creating a sense of community. I am here because this year will give me the opportunity to learn how to affect change, to gain cultural understanding and awareness, and to become a healthy role model. I know that this year will be a journey of continuing to find my voice, my vision, and my inspirations, but I am thankful to already find motivation in my narrative and to be reminded of why I am here.
So I ask, what makes you come alive?
My Vision Statement: I believe that all individuals are equal and have the capacity to make a difference, and I envision a world where young girls and women everywhere not only believe this, but live it every day.