Amira has applied to attend NSLC Medicine and Healthcare this summer and is raising funds for her program fees. Can you help?
Amira
Amira
Interest:
Science & Medicine
School:
The Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria
Location:
Successfully funded on June 14th, 2014!
Fully funded!
$3,196 raised
$0 to go
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Amira
Amira's Story

When I was eleven I was watching a Giants game and noticed that when a player got injured the team doctor would come out on the field. I wondered what the formal title for this type of doctor was. I did some research and I found out that Dr. Russell Warren was the Giants team doctor and information about Orthopedic Surgery. From that day I knew that I wanted to become an Orthopedic Surgeon. Everyday I find more reasons that make me want to become an Orthopedic Surgeon. When I get to see an x-ray or a MRI I just get so excited and I can't help but smile. I feel like it was love at first sight, which is probably why I cannot explain why it intrigues me so much. All over my room you see posters of muscles, bones, a picture of my eye from the inside and even x-rays of my knees. Knowing that if I work hard I can become a doctor makes me work 110 times harder.

I was introduced to the National Students Leadership Conference by invitation. When I got the letter in the mail I was so excited. I read about how close you are to medicine and about all of the hands on things we get to do, after that I knew it was perfect. This program will make me a few steps ahead of others who want to become doctors because of all of the opportunities. This program teaches the students how to do things like suturing and the proper way to care for your patients. This program is just one of the steps that I have to take to get closer to my goal of being an Orthopedic Surgeon.

Shannon
A Note from Ms. DeRosa, Amira's Teacher

Amira was my student in 9th grade Living Environment (core science course) and Forensic Science (elective science course). She is incredible. I have never met a teenager who is so wise beyond her years. Her maturity and eloquence are what draws teachers and students to her. She sees the good in every situation, despite the negative impact it may have on her. As long as I have known Amira, she has been positive that she wants to be a doctor, specifically in the areas of Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery. Everything she learns in class, she refers back to the impact it will have on her future career. I saw this in every lesson of my biology class, but also as she talks about her current classes, and as she observes the world around her. The passion she has for medicine was evident from the first day that I met her. Beyond that, Amira is the type of student that you want on your team. She is a born leader who inspires the students that surround her. In a collaborative setting, not only would she thrive but everyone else who has the opportunity to work with her would thrive as well. She also has the will and drive to meet the program requirements and surpass expectations of her instructors.

Campaign Activity
Amira
Amira posted an update
August 12
Learning Life Lessons at NSLC

If I were to give advice to someone who was going to attend NSLC, I would strongly recommend letting go. A plethora of people say "you have to step out of your comfort zone". Yes, I know that is extremely cliché, but it is 100 percent true.  If you don't let go, you won't enjoy your time. Throughout the beginning of the program I stayed in my comfort zone. I didn't talk aloud much in the big group. And then it struck me, there are only 7 days left in this program. I need to take advantage of my time here. We were doing one of our leadership sessions with Bill “with two L's”, and he was talking about commitment. He asked us to stand up and give our definitions of commitment. Until that time, I had not stood up and talked in front of the other 110 students, but I decided to just get up to have my voice heard. I said that commitment is "keeping your word and following through". It was time for an activity in which we had to do a single motion while walking down an aisle filled with people staring at you. At this moment I remembered “commitment”. I knew that if I did not commit to a simple action, then I would always be in my small box of comfort. As people started to go, I thought maybe I could do something basketball related, but everyone would expect that and I would still be in my comfort zone. What to do? What to do? I got it, let me take a “selfie” I thought. As I was getting my phone ready, people were perplexed, but in a matter of seconds there was an eruption of cheers and I knew people understood what I was doing.  I felt so much joy. Knowing myself, I don't really like to do participate in these sorts of activities, but I am so glad I did. I lived in the moment, I stepped out of my comfort zone and it felt great. 
Bill Johnson said, "You have to live in the moment because you don't know when it is going to be over". 
And now that the moment is over, I am proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and slowly growing up. I will take so much away from my experience at NSLC.

1st photo: When my group won an award for making a Public Service Announcement on rape.   2nd photo: Some of my medical team, when we were going through clinical diagnostics. 



Amira
Amira posted an update
July 18
Finding peace within my first day at NSLC

When we got to the bus at Port Authority, I felt tranquil. It was as if we were going on a family vacation to Washington DC. Half way there, none of my feelings changed. I felt neutral and the long bus ride made me extremely soporific.
Most things changed when we got to our rest stop in Silver Springs, Maryland because I knew that we were about 30 or so minutes away from Washington DC. Why did that scare me? I was going to experience something that will guide me in my life. Possibly one of the greatest experiences that I would ever have in my life.
The answer was family.
I was worried about leaving my family, rather my family leaving me. I've been in several situations before where I had to go places overnight without my parents but this was different. All those other times I had people that I knew with me.  Whether it was my teachers or friends, I felt safe.
We finally arrived in DC and hailed a taxi. It was about a 20 minute ride to campus. It was a silent ride. I didn't know what to say or how to hide my feeling other than keeping quiet. My mother occasionally asked me what was wrong and I replied with “nothing,”  but she knew exactly what I was feeling.
Pulling up to the campus I took a deep breath and tried to relax, but that did not work. Walking up to registration, I could feel my tension rising to the point that I believe I looked like I did not want to be there. I talked gingerly, I shook hands hesitantly and I thought "you could still turn around and go home".
It was painful saying goodbye to my parents. I did not want to. I wanted them to stay with me. For about an hour of unpacking it almost felt as if they were going to stay.
It was time for them to leave I could never fathom this scenario. I gave them all hugs, and told them I loved them. They wanted more but I was unable to give more without breaking down.
How did I handle this? It was very difficult for me, but I did it. I'm here now.
The reason why I was able to fathom this possibility was because I forced myself to. I walked up to someone on the way to lunch and talked to him. He was not as nervous as I was even though he came from overseas. He made me comfortable and we hung out for the rest of the day. That same day I made more friends. And I felt like I was at Port Authority on my way to my home. I felt at peace, safe and most importantly at home.


Amira
Amira posted an update
June 18
Excited to learn about the medical profession

I am excited to be able to go to such a prestigious program. I cannot wait to learn everything that I can from the professors and doctors. My goal is to learn as much as I can while having fun. I know that many people, like me, are nervous to go because they will be away from their families, but I will take on this challenge. I believe one of my main obstacles would be adapting to unfamiliar situations. By going to the National Student Leadership Conference I will become accustomed to adapting to new situations. 

Amira
Amira posted an update
June 14
Thank you

I am extremely grateful for your generosity. Without your help I would not have the opportunity to go to such an esteemed program, like the National Student Leadership Conference. I am so thankful because your donation will get me a step closer to my goal of becoming a doctor. I will gain skills, independence and medical knowledge. I can not thank you enough, you have helped me out immensely. Thank you.

Success! Ms. DeRosa helped Amira raise $3,195
June 14
Anonymous donated $146
June 14
Anonymous donated $300
June 13
Anonymous donated $25
June 12

Amira, the world needs more intelligent women leaders who are following their hearts and making a real difference. Never give up on your dream and believe in yourself and what you can achieve. I believe in you and this is why I'm supporting you. You can do it!

An Anonymous Donor matched this donation with $25

Anonymous donated $1,500
June 11
Jocelyn Guizar donated $25
May 27

Dear Amira,
You are incredibly courageous. I hope you keep pursuing your interests, and that you absolutely thrive -- as you say, this is just the first step. If you keep setting goals, and keep seeking programs/foundations/advocates/mentors that can help, you can do anything you want in this life. Keep dreaming, keep shaping the path, and keep graciously receiving and giving. I wish you all the best this summer, and beyond in your education!

An Anonymous Donor matched this donation with $25

Vitalia Fedossova donated $50
May 27

Hi Amira! I wanted to help you because I want to create a better world for everyone and this is my purpose in life. One of the ways that I try to fulfill my purpose is to help people achieve their dreams. Why? because I had people help me achieve my dreams too. It makes such a difference to have someone believe in you! I want to pass on the good fortune and multiply the good vibes. I think educations is extremely important for personal success and success for our world and it is the way to a vibrant and beautiful future. It is wonderful that you want to be a doctor. We need more doctors of all kinds. I also think we desperately need female leaders and strong women to help heal our world. The world is in trouble, you see. Our environment is not doing so well. The older generations have made certain mistakes. We need to work together as much as possible to help make our world healthy again. This is why I wanted to help you Amira, because you are a future female leader and a healer. You are someone who will help our world.

An Anonymous Donor matched this donation with $50

Jason Foral donated $300
May 19
National Student Leadership Conference
National Student Leadership Conference donated $750
May 16
Shannon
Ms. DeRosa started this campaign
May 16
Amira
Amira was accepted into Wishbone!
February 15