Dhara A.

Hi, my name is Dhara, and I am a sophomore at Bellaire High School (class of 2027). I am a part of many clubs at my high school, such as the Medical Club, Bollywood Club, Student Council, and Dessert Club. I am on the varsity drill team (the Bellaire Belles), the hip hop team (the Cadets), and I also am a member of the school newspaper (the Three Penny Press). I have many interests, but my main hobbies include writing, reading, dancing, and photography. One of my goals is to become more involved in my community, so I also volunteer weekly at my local library.

I have grown up surrounded by healthcare (both of my parents are in the medical field), so I have always felt a pull towards the health and well being of others. I love to volunteer and help others, and serve the underserved, and I feel being a Legacy Teen Health Ambassador will be the most direct way to do that. I feel that Legacy can help me meet people from different backgrounds, and give me a window into other people’s worlds. My first project was to write an article about cost effective techniques to prevent and treat acne. My goal is to go into the healthcare administration field, but I’m not sure what I want to specialize in. I think that this program will give me experiences in how a well run organization helps people live their best lives.

Lauren A.

My name is Lauren and I am a sophomore at St. Agnes Academy. I am a member of my school’s Student Council organization and Key Club. These clubs focus on serving not only all of the members of our school, but all of the Houston community. From writing letters to the elderly to making lunches for kids, we observe the needs of the community and fulfill them.
One thing about me is that I have grown up surrounded by the healthcare industry as my parents are doctors. With this, I have been able to see their compassion and care for our community. I hope to follow in their footsteps and become a physician that will help all underserved areas. One opportunity I have had was to be in an operating room during an open-heart surgery. One moment we were talking to the patient and the next I was witnessing his life-saving surgery. This was an eye-opening experience that has sparked my interest in being a surgeon.
One thing I love about the Legacy Teen Health program is that we are observing and listening to the needs of the community and then working with them to make a difference. Whether it be educational videos about health care or marching for prenatal care, we are taking steps to close the divide and stand up for all. Through the Teen Health Program, I hope to learn from others, advocate for needs in our communities, and be a part of trying to help improve individual and community health and healthcare by collaborating with others.

Jack D.

My name is Jack and I'm excited to be a Teen Health Ambassador. I am currently a seventh grader in HISD. At my school, I participate in karate and am currently an orange belt. I also play baritone and euphonium in the school band. I really enjoy our band performances and competitions. Math is my favorite subject as it has always come naturally to me. Lastly, I very much enjoy learning about history and reading.

Outside of school, my hobbies include D&D, piano, biking, theater and video games. On the weekends I go on 10-15 mile bike rides throughout the city with my dad. I play D&D with a group of friends, both as a character and also as a dungeon master. Piano is my favorite hobby. I enjoy learning a variety of music from classical to songs from shows and movies I like. I hope to join my school’s jazz band next year after the current pianist moves on to high school. I also enjoy acting outside of school at community theaters.

I’m excited to be a Teen Health Ambassador! In 2021, I was able to participate in the Covid-19 vaccine trials. I try to do everything I can to stay healthy and believe that everyone should have access to good healthcare. I’m looking forward to helping spread important information to other teens.

Ninon D.

My name is Ninon and I have recently joined the Legacy Teen Health Ambassador team. I am honored to have the opportunity to be a part of an organization that helps those in need. Informing people about their bodies, diseases/conditions, and how to cope with them is a top priority of mine and thanks to Legacy, I have the opportunity to do so. I am currently in high school and see myself pursuing a career in the medical field as a physician. My passion is the study of the human body and how to properly care for it. Every day, people in our community fail to receive medical attention, especially teens. For this reason, I would like to help teens learn how to care for themselves and achieve healthy mindsets. Taking part in this organization will continue to grow my passion for medicine while aiding those in need.  

Thanks,

Ninon D.

Shepherd G.

My name is Shepherd. I am a senior in high school and I want to further my education in college by studying Kinesiology. Kinesiology will allow me to delve deeper into fitness and learn more about how the human body can rehabilitate and improve through movement and nutrition. After I graduate, my desire is to attend Physician’s Assistant (PA) school. As a PA, I could share my knowledge and expertise, specifically helping underserved populations and the younger community.

I am an avid runner, meaning that nutrition and rehab have played a critical role in my life and running career. You have to fuel your body not only for a race, but for everyday activities, and once you achieve this, your body reaches its peak performance, which is truly a gift in itself. I want to empower others to feel better about themselves by helping them understand what to eat; enriching their minds, and giving them energy to safeguard their health.

I am honored to be chosen as a Teen Health Ambassador and I look forward to sharing my journey with nutrition and sports with you.

Ashley J.

My name is Ashley Jordan. I am in high school and in the class of 2025. Upon completion of my senior year not only will I receive a diploma, but also an associates degree from Houston Community College. I am on my school’s softball team, the Webmaster of our Key Club, the Teen President of the Houston Chapter of Jack and Jill of America inc., and an Ambassador Girl Scout. I also participate in several other extra curricular, the most interesting of which is being my school’s mascot.

My mother is a family practitioner for Legacy Community Health, so I was more than happy to sign up to get a taste of her experience. I plan on being an attorney when I'm older, because I love to help people. Working with Legacy is a great learning experience and a means to help my community just as a teenager.

Thank you so much!

Kind Regards, Ashley C. J

Imerie J.

My name is Imerie and I am currently in my junior year at Concordia Lutheran Tomball, class of 2025. I have a wide range of interests, but some of my favorites include cooking with my family, volunteering, and listening to music. Apart from academics, I am actively involved in the Texas Advantage Volleyball 17 National team, where I serve as a captain on the team. We travel locally and out of state playing in nationalized tournaments.

In the future, I aspire to work as a primary care physician, and I believe that serving as a teen ambassador will provide me with the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve these goals. I am particularly interested in this program because the program utilizes the voices of teens to educate and teach other teens and adolescents about the importance of knowing about their health journey. I am excited about the opportunity to gain knowledge from Legacy advocates and teens who have paved the way in establishing the program.

Sincerely,

Imerie J

Hala S.

My name is Hala, and I am a sophomore attending The Village School. I was born and raised here in Houston, Texas, but my family is originally from Syria. My interests include basketball, tennis, volleyball, cooking, baking, cleaning, and spending time with family and friends. In my free time, I tutor middle school students who attend my school, babysit, and tutor refugees from Afghanistan and other Middle Eastern countries. I am a part of The Tutoring Club, Muslim Student Association, and Medical Mindset in school. I’m also a member of the Rho Kappa, Science Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, English Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. I speak fluent English and Arabic. 

During the summer, I return home to Syria and give English and Math lessons at our charity center to children who lack education. One of my first healthcare-related projects involved creating "Life Bags" for the homeless population throughout Houston. There were many human-beneficial requirements in the bags. It was an amazing experience, and I learned a lot about homeless people's lives, which motivated me to keep going and brought me to this point in life. In the future, I plan to be a Pediatric Dentist to help children smile and be happy. This program interests me as I would like to learn more about what is going on in the healthcare field. Seeing the different numbers and surveys that were done inspired me to join and be a part of this organization. 

Elise Y.

My name is Elise and I am currently a junior at Shadow Creek High School, class of 2025. I play the flute for my school’s Wind Symphony and participate in various solos and ensembles. I am the treasurer of the Red Cross Club at school. In addition, I am involved in various other school organizations including National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Viet Mua (Vietnamese Dance Group), and Music as Medicine Club. I have volunteered with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and Houston Humane Society.

In the future, I wish to pursue a career in the medical field and become a Nurse Anesthetist. Coming from a family deeply rooted in medical professions, I understand the significance of compassionate care and community outreach. That's why I am thrilled about the Legacy Teen Health Ambassador program, an opportunity to immerse myself in underserved communities and expand my understanding of healthcare practices and protocols. Through this program, I aim to not only gain valuable insights but also cultivate essential skills like empathy, communication, and cultural competence. I believe that by actively engaging with diverse populations, I can better serve as a healthcare provider in the future.

- Elise Y