HEALTH+ Alumni Student Spotlight

My name is Haroon Abdulgader, and I’m currently a senior at Middle College High School. I entered the HEALTH Academy as a student in the Summer of 2023, unsure about which healthcare career I should pursue. The HEALTH Academy provided me with numerous invaluable resources, from presentations and lessons by UC Davis alumni and interactive activities regarding healthcare topics. Through this, I explored interests in mental and nutritional health and learned about diverse healthcare careers, from GI doctors to nurses.

By the Summer of 2024, I was able to work my way up to the role of a Lead Mentor, where I greatly refined my public speaking and social skills while discovering my passion for advocating against the health inequities of the world. As a Lead, I was blessed with the opportunity to have a one-on-one interview with a healthcare professional of my choice, as well as the opportunity to dive deeper into what leadership is. The HEALTH Academy connected me to external resources and introduced me to lifelong friends among students, mentors, and lead mentors. I still look back with fond memories of my fellow students and mentors, as I keep in touch with many of them to this day. I highly recommend this program to any student who is seeking guidance in their educational and career paths. Remember, it’s okay to feel lost or confused, but it’s never okay to let that fear hold you back.

My name is Rayann Abdulgader, and I’ve participated in the UC Davis Health Equity Academy over multiple sessions. I started as a Scholar, became a Research Mentor, and finally a Lead Mentor, and it has been one of the most impactful parts of my high school experience.

Throughout the program, I’ve engaged with healthcare professionals including neurologists, trauma surgeons, and OB-GYNs, and spoke directly with medica students about their journeys. The hands-on activities, like suturing on bananas and examining animal brains, made the topics more approachable and fascinating. 

One of the most meaningful parts of the program to me was researching public health issues affecting our own communities, giving me a deeper understanding of real-world disparities, as well as a better understanding of how to gather research. Then, I was given another opportunity to be a mentor, which challenged me to step into leadership and develop the confidence to support my peers. This program has shaped not only how I view healthcare, but also how I view my own potential. If you are someone who’s interested in medicine or public health or simply wants to grow as a leader and learner, this program is an amazing place to start!

My name is Andrew Tran, and I had the fantastic opportunity to serve as a mentor and lead mentor in the HEALTH Academy. Throughout my experience, I developed dynamic leadership skills that strengthen my confidence and adaptability as a leader. Being a part of the diverse community taught me the importance of how diversity influences effective leadership. As a lead, I strived for adaptability, experiencing the desire for meticulous navigation through unexpected circumstances while considering valuable perspectives as learned in my first-ever mentor experience. Integrating adaptive leadership has been transformational, guiding me through the aspects of growth within my leadership. These experiences from HEALTH essentially amplified my appreciation for leadership, as while being a learner, I was able to observe and evaluate potential styles of leadership that can be expressed in my ideological perspectives. Nevertheless, mentoring individuals early on in high school has been crucial to gaining the experience needed to tackle tasks, as I’m more prepared for leadership and guidance. HEALTH offers the opportunity to grow in leadership positions, which I hope future mentors can embrace through their journeys. For the future, I intend to refine and expand these skills by embracing the opportunities and challenges that life presents!

Participating in the UC Davis School of Medicine’s Health Equity Academy Mentorship program was one of the most impactful experiences of my high school journey. As I began mentoring other students, I found myself growing alongside them. Teaching research skills not only strengthened my own understanding but also taught me how to lead discussions and confidently give presentations.

These experiences inspired me to step into the Lead Mentor role, where I took on greater responsibility guiding fellow mentors. Under the leadership of Laura Kester Prakash, M.D. and Ms. Jennifer, I learned how to cultivate a supportive and inclusive learning environment and respond to diverse student needs. Their mentorship not only strengthened my confidence but also deepened my passion for helping others navigate their academic journeys.

Through this program, I gained more than just knowledge about the healthcare field.
Connecting with driven peers and learning from passionate medical students and professionals opened my eyes to what it takes to pursue a career in healthcare. I’ve come to understand that taking initiative, staying focused, and setting goals isn’t just important—it’s essential. It’s never too early to start shaping the future we dream of.