Driven to learn quickly, and intrigued in developing my skills on a daily basis. Willing to take on a challenging task to problem-solve. Flexible and hardworking, and eager to achieve my goals.
During my senior year of high school, I completed an internship in the nursing department of Elmhurst hospital, which is an established teaching hospital in New York city. I was able to shadow multiple doctors in various departments including, cardiology, neurology, pediatrics, as well as given the opportunity to come into contact with the emergency room and its vigorous environment. Being exposed to this particular New York city hospital was especially engaging as it serves the most diverse area of the city, and it granted me the chance to get a taste of the operation of a city hospital that was in need of assistance for more personalized care. I also like the idea of being able to help more diverse and vulnerable communities, especially individuals who are disadvantaged and in dire need for help. After spending two months at the hospital, I received excellent reviews from my advisers, and gained a new perspective on the commitment and passion that plays a role in taking care of others.
In July 2019 I participated in a mission trip in Nashville through FUGE, a local volunteer program. I was assigned to work in a day camp for underprivileged children, many of whom came from abusive and/or broken homes. At first, the children were hesitant to open up to us, but as the days progressed, I developed a special relationship with a group of girls who felt comfortable enough to share their personal stories with me; experiences which often involved abuse, drug addiction, or even violence. Instead of pretending that I understood their positions, I would allow them to express themselves and listened attentively. This made me realize that I had to make camp a place they could use as an escape and for self-healing. I encouraged the center’s faculty to organize special outings, including rollerblading in the gyms with disco lights and going on day trips to the public pool. One day as I was setting up for the children’s lunchtime, one of the little girls squeezed me tight and said, “This is my favorite place,” and her beaming smile has been imprinted in my mind ever since. It was extraordinary to be a source of optimism for these children. Witnessing the joy on their faces overwhelmed me with happiness and hope for how helpful people can be by simply caring and listening.
I have been dancing ever since I was a young girl. I believe that it has taught me patience, hard-work, determination, and discipline. Dance is something that has been very important to me growing up, and is a big part of my life. From dancing when I lived in Greece from 3 years old, I continued my admiration for ballet at Central Park Dance in New York for a few years in middle and high school, as well as at Broadway Dance Center.