We recently decided to shift our language from internship to mentorship. Part of listening well means that we also listen to the feedback of grant-makers and foundations. There appeared to be a disconnect between what we are doing because of the word “internship.” We were able to identify that the word “internship” associated us with growing our staff by using interns . . . . And that’s not at all what we do or what our program is. Although we do have interns, our mentorship program is so much more! So collectively as a staff, along with our youth and board, we decided to call it a mentorship program and officially name it: The Collective.
Why The Collective?
Because together we can smash big goals, and honestly this mentorship program is only successful with the partnership of other creatives and entrepreneurs. So as a collective we learn and grow while sharing and amplifying the stories that collectively impact us and weigh ever so heavy on our hearts!
These Are Our Stories | Maya
Photo By: Jessica Rivera
Makeup By: Mariah Frank
What is your story?
I sat uncomfortably in my gray hospital room, anxiously looking around at the walls that seemed to slowly draw closer. The slow passage of time was torturous, days felt like months, and given the absence of a working clock, my only means of gauging time was the slow, sad drip of the IV. Countless doctors and physicians tried to determine the source of my pain; the theories were endless. One day I had intestinal problems, the next, I had cancer, other days, the theory was mental illness. No one seemed to be able to figure it out. All I knew was that I wanted to go back to normal; to the hospital, we went.
Finally, an ultrasound technician found something. She showed the doctors that there was a large mass in my pelvic region. I was shocked such a mass could grow in anyone’s body, and why mine? Although my pain seemed endless, I felt safe with my doctors. These doctors were dedicated and made me feel like their top priority. I was grateful for their commitment to helping me feel better. Even though their words sounded foreign, I dreamt of learning their jargon and figuring out human illnesses. They offered patients and families like mine solutions to what felt unfathomable. The doctors were heroes in my eyes.
Jarred from these thoughts, the doctors sent me into surgery. A mature cystic teratoma was removed from my left ovary. Fortunately, it was a ball of hair and teeth, not cancer. I will always have scars but I am fortunate to be alive and cancer free. After weeks of seeing them in pain, I saw the light of hope from their eyes. As I left my hospital room, I gained a new passion to help others, and learn more about the mysterious human body.
After the surgery, my love for science, anatomy, and biology has continued to grow. I hated not knowing the source of my pain, which fueled my passion and curiosity to study science. This experience also sparked my interest in working in the medical field. I would like to bring comfort to people by taking courses to prepare for medical school. As my family has struggled with both my sister's and my medical expenses, I feel I am allowed with this job to pay them back. Both my sister and I have had a cystic teratoma in the same spot. I have seen the pain my parents went through with me while my sister was in my spot. I also understand the struggles faced by families that have debt due to medical misdiagnosis. I want to be the person who can inform them of a correct diagnosis promptly. I want to be a trustworthy doctor who helps children through their health challenges, especially because I am unsure if I will be able to have children of my own. I empathize with children who feel insecure or are hesitant towards doctors and nurses. I want to help families find their answers by researching and explaining patient’s problems, just as my doctors did.
What do you racially identify as?
African American and Caucasian
How can you use your story to make an impact in our community and beyond?
As I made my way through highschool, my motivation of being in the medical field only grew. Still, I began to struggle with my identity. Being biracial almost felt like a nuisance or a disadvantage. I always felt I had to choose my white or black side due to constant ethnic differences. Especially in healthcare, forms still do not list Biracial as a race, leaving me to conform to one half of myself. My social life has also been influenced by being biracial. Friends made me adjust to one race, making me feel as if my identity was not valid. There was a constant battle between myself and reality, yet I used this as motivation. There is still a lack of representation in the medical field of biracial people. I realized I would use my differences as an advantage.
As a minority woman, it is important that I have the opportunity to pursue my passion for medicine and health. Only 34.5% of doctors in the United States are women (OECD), and only 2% are minorities (Forbes). My passion to help others is also driven by the underrepresentation of women in my desired field. Additionally, the amount of discrimination minorities experience in health care is reprehensible. The Tuskegee experiment, Henrietta Lacks, and sterilization of innocent Native American women all come from the eugenic superiority of white Americans. Many health specialists demonstrate their privilege as they fail to recognize the disadvantages faced by minorities. I want to change the standard of black and brown people being marginalized by being a relatable and dependable doctor. My uncertain, pre-teen self had no idea why she was in constant pain, but she will always be grateful to the technician who found that teratoma. Today, I am proud of myself for being certain in wanting to pursue a career that unravels mysteries to help people live their healthiest lives. I remain educated about current societal issues, which I plan to include in my studies. My studies are crucial to give others the help they deserve.
What encouragement would you give to someone who shares a similar story?
I often struggle with telling myself I am good enough. Becoming a doctor is hard, and sometimes my negative thoughts harm my potential. To someone with the same dreams as mine, I would tell them to go for it. Of course there will always be barriers in the way, but the important part is getting around them. You are good enough. You are strong. You are blessed. Only you stand in your way of success.
Photos By: Jessica Rivera
Makeup By: Mariah Frank
These Are Our Stories | Jessica
Photo by: Maya Hill
Makeup by: Mariah Frank
What is your story?
My name is Jessica. I was born in Chicago as a C-section out of my momma's belly. I decided to take a turn and go up instead of down, almost seriously hurting my mom (I'm sorry mom). This life has been a series of up's and down's. Arguments occured a lot in my household and with two brothers it got hectic but I love them very much. My mom had been in a car accident while I was in her stomach and by The Grace of God I'm perfectly fine. Separation happened between my parents at around age 13 and lasted till I was about 17. In between all of the teenage mishaps I struggled with my sexuality, self-love and dealing with inner pain from being in an inappropriate situation. This led to me thinking what happened was my fault only and being in a blame state in my mind. I fell into lustful relationships and was disrespectful to my parents, I didn't feel loved and tried to find love in people. Moving forward; now I'm 19 and my life has taken a total turn around because of God. Jesus has been the foundation of my life all along but I couldn't find Him. I was baptized October 11th, 2020 at Soul City Church Chicago. A day I will never cease to forget. I didn't even know what baptism meant when I was in the church but I did it anyways. Before this all happened, I never read The Bible, but I had one in my drawer since I was about 14. The moment I opened it and actually tried reading, my life started to shift. My relationship started to build with Jesus. I don't see this as a religion but I call myself a Christian because Christ saved me and my eternity is secured. It is a struggle every single day to stay firm in my faith but I'm doing it. We all struggle with something and no one is perfect, I stumble every day, especially in my thoughts. I find joy because God is my story and He is my life and I know I'm not alone in my pain anymore. There is hope in His name when you lose hope everywhere else.
What do you ethnically/racially identify as?
Mexican/ Puerto Rican/Spaniard/Native American.
How can you use your story to make an impact in our community and beyond?
My story can help someone find hope in their life and to know they aren't alone ever.
What encouragement would you give to someone who shares a similar story?
Don't give up the faith that you have and remember that even if you make mistakes you are loved and can be forgiven.
Photos by: Amanda Leon & Maya Hill
Makeup by: Mariah Frank
These Are Our Stories | Jasmyn Scavella
Photo by: Amanda Leon
What is your story?:
My name is Jasmyn Scavella. I was born on a cold windy Monday on November 24, 2003. I was born to Maria Vasquez, a 27-year-old lady, and Troy Scavella, a 30-year-old man in the South-SIde of Chicago. Two hours after I was born, I almost died. I was diagnosed with Truncus Arterious type 2 and 4, a congenital heart defect. I lived in and out of hospitals with a total of 3 heart surgeries by the time age of 3. I attended Pulaski International School of Chicago for most of my elementary school years. By 7th grade, my father's office moved to Westchester we followed suit. I had my last open heart surgery in 8th grade and although I was absent for three months straight, I graduated on time. During my last surgery, the medical staff referred me to the Make a Wish Foundation. My wish was granted in the summer of 2019 where my family and I were able to visit Chichen Itza and was able to learn some of the histories. I attend Proviso West and I will become a Senior in August. I consider myself to be an artist. I like to draw anime.
What do you ethnically/racially identify as?:
Biracial (Mexican, African-American)
How can you use your story to make an impact in our community and beyond?:
I want the kids facing a critical illness or biracial kids who can not identify themselves as one race or the other, to know that they are special and matter.
What encouragement would you give to someone who shares a similar story?:
That they matter and although things may get hard and you may feel like you don't belong, stay strong and never ever give up, keep on going and keep your head up.
Photos by: Amanda Leon & Maya Hill
Film Workshop | Post-production
We are so excited for Mariah and her next steps! The future is so bright for you! Here is the final cut of her scholarship video, wish her luck!
