Deka
12th Grade at Crawford High School
Class of 2018
Why did you join the YAC? What’s been your best experience thus far?
I joined the YAC because I’ve always had the ambition to change my community and improve the circumstances health wise. I understood that this youth council allowed me to be surrounded by like minded peers who acted and didn’t just state they wanted change.
In my time with YAC I’ve learned about the importance of identity within a leader. The skills I’ve learned with the council have carried over to multiple parts of my life including my own leadership positions with clubs. I’ve learned that leadership can embody multiply qualities, from being self-aware, to compassionate, and eager to hear criticism. I been challenged to think outside the box, especially with group activities. My best experience so far has been on the Anza Borrego Retreat where I bonded with my fellow YAC members, and was able to challenge myself and go outside my comfort zone.
What’s your dream job?
My dream job is to become a biochemist, and create drugs that are affordable and effective. Coming from a family of refugees with a history of type 1 diabetes, I understand receiving assistance for basic food and medication can make all the difference in people’s lives. My dream is to also create an organization for young girls from first generation families to explore STEM to close the diversity gap in the field.
What’s a quote that motivates you?
A quote that motivates me to act and not merely support a cause is from Martin Luther King, Jr. “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Just because a issue doesn’t directly affect me doesn’t mean I should remain silent. The biggest lesson I take from this quote is not to let my silence be taken for complacency.