Our final YAG Senior Spotlight is Rachel. Rachel joined the Youth Health Advisory Group during her sophomore year. She had utilized her school’s SBHC frequently and wanted to educate her peers on the benefits of school-based healthcare.
As a YAG member, Rachel has had the opportunity to work on projects surrounding mental health and drug misuse. She’s put on a drug awareness week and is planning a health fair with over twenty vendors.
Rachel hopes that more people learn how to advocate for themselves so they can get the healthcare they need.
She’s gained stronger advocacy skills while participating in YAG and become more knowledgeable about public health.
“Learning how to assist others and advocate for themselves and their health has changed my view of health and wellness,” she said.
Rachel will be moving on to university and plans to major in kinesiology. She hopes to pursue a career in healthcare so she can continue helping the people in her community.
“I think (YAG) will help me a lot in advocating for myself and having a larger impact in the health world,” she said. “I’ve been more comfortable stepping out of my comfort zone and would like to continue this path of advocacy.”
Rachel’s advice to new members is to be open to trying new things and use your voice.
“Those that speak out from the normal are those that are most remembered,” she said. “Leading can be scary, but also the most rewarding. Fight for what you believe!”
If you or someone you know would like to join the Youth Health Advisory Group in the upcoming school year, reach out to Wilma at wilma@nmasbhc.org, or visit our YAG page for more information.