My journey started with a deep “love of humanity” and a childhood passion for medicine. 21CL was the ultimate training ground that helped me turn that passion into a professional plan. The Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI) and the Healthcare/IT Institute (HII) completely opened my eyes, making me realize that both the business and medical world could be a powerful place for me to thrive.
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Programs like 21CL are important because they provide a safe space for career exploration and exposure, for making mistakes, and for truly learning about yourself. As someone working in the nonprofit space, I see so much value in accessible spaces and organizations like this, especially at a time when entry-level jobs and experiences for young students are becoming harder to find.
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Throughout the Media Institute, we met with several industry professionals who shared their paths to getting where they were at the time. Prior to that experience, I thought becoming a news anchor or reporter was similar to becoming a supermodel from a mall casting – it just happened if you were lucky enough.
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Something I took from my time with 21CL is that no role is too small or unimportant. Whether working on a project, coming up with innovative ideas, or tackling an event, regardless of one’s role in the group, you matter and your contribution is important.
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By prioritizing self-reflection and diverse perspectives, I learned to lead inclusively from a young age. The communication and critical thinking skills I developed during that time continue to serve as the foundation for every professional role I hold today.
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My advice to current and future students is to approach the program with an open mind and a willingness to grow. No two stars in the sky are alike, yet each one shines in its own way. When students recognize their unique strengths and support one another, they create something far greater than any individual effort. Embrace every opportunity to learn, connect, and step outside your comfort zone. You may be surprised not only by what you discover about yourself, but by how brightly you are capable of shining.
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21st Century Leaders helped me develop a leadership style rooted in confidence, communication, and self-awareness. The program pushed me to become more outspoken and intentional about how I lead and how I use my voice.
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The most memorable moment during my 21st Century Leaders years was the opportunity to give a speech during the closing of the program I was attending. After meeting so many talented and hard-working individuals, it was rewarding for me to share my perspective about what we had accomplished during the short week-long program
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Regardless of which 21CL program you attend, you gain essential soft skills—teamwork, leadership, grit, and public speaking—that will support you in any field. My advice to students is to take the networking opportunities seriously. People are eager to support you at this stage, and you never know how one connection could help shape your future.
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I had dreamt of being a physician and pursuing a career in the medical field for as long as I could remember, however, that dream evolved with my participation in 21CL. When I became a 21st Century Leader, I was exposed to multiple different career paths that sparked new interests!
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