The HPME program has opened many doors for me. At Northwestern, I dove into global health as a freshman and became President of a nationally run student-led global health and development organization called GlobeMed. I was also able to conduct research on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and street children in India, volunteer with doctors in Guatemala, and develop a GlobeMed health clinic in Ghana.Traveling to all these countries deepened my interest in global health challenges. By gaining direct exposure, I came to better see how my career in medicine can be leveraged to develop better health care models for people living in under served communities around the world. Having the academic flexibility during college has reinforced my passion for mobilizing social change and using medicine as a vital means to achieve this personal vision. I have deferred medical school to strengthen GlobeMed because I truly believe we can harness the energy of students and catalyze a generation of young global health leaders. Being part of the HPME program has allowed me the academic and career flexibility to take such new paths and learn about myself as a leader. I am excited for the adventures that lie ahead and I'm extremely grateful for the HPME program for enabling and encouraging my endeavors. | 
