My name is Edhen Young, and I am a dedicated sophomore in high school with a deep passion for science, medicine, and community service. Outside of academics, I am actively involved in various volunteer initiatives and leadership roles within my school’s club network. My primary focus is on STEM education and outreach, which is reflected in my participation in seven STEM-related clubs and two service-based organizations. I am a proud member of Science Olympiad, where my team competes nationally, and Women in STEM, where I help introduce young elementary students to STEM concepts through engaging activities. I also plan to expand my experience by joining the French Honors Society and founding two new clubs, one centered on biology and the other dedicated to promoting religious inclusivity. Looking toward the future, I am drawn to two career paths driven by my passion for scientific discovery and helping others. The first is a career in medicine and neurosurgery, where I aim to make a lasting impact in patient care and medical innovation. The second is pursuing a Ph.D. in environmental science, biology, or chemistry, allowing me to contribute to scientific research in a laboratory setting. Whether in a hospital or a lab, my ultimate goal is to advance knowledge, support communities, and inspire future generations interested in STEM. Ultimately, I want to attend a college in the Northeast to achieve this goal, and my dream school would be Yale University. Having visited Yale multiple times for various occasions, I can confidently say that its campus is beautiful and perfectly aligned with my academic and career aspirations. I live by a quote for motivation to be successful: “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value” by Albert Einstein.
At a gala event, where I was volunteering for a Science Olympiad fundraiser, I had the opportunity to meet Carleen Walker. That night, I decided to follow up with her and pursue an internship at NAMEPA. I initially decided to take this internship because I firmly aligned with the company’s mission and values. It also focused on a subject that deeply interested me, making it a meaningful opportunity to gain experience while contributing to a cause I believe in. This internship has been my first real working experience, and it has been an incredibly positive experience. The NAMEPA team consists of hardworking, supportive individuals who have guided me throughout this journey, from helping me accommodate my limited availability to providing valuable professional experience. As an intern, I have taken on diverse responsibilities, from packaging orders and developing educational activities for children to leading a social media campaign. Each task has allowed me to gain valuable hands-on experience while contributing meaningfully to the organization’s mission. The most valuable lesson I have gained from my internship is a deeper understanding of my professional preferences. Throughout this experience, I have discovered my passion for managing campaigns and maintaining organization, even more so than I thought. Additionally, I have realized that I thrive in a fast-paced environment rather than a slower-paced one. Overall, my goal as an intern was to gain meaningful professional experience, and this opportunity has provided precisely that.