Today, we proudly shine the spotlight on Fiona Zhang, our dedicated Youth Health Advocate. Fiona is a second-year student at CFBC where she is pursuing her studies in natural sciences. Her ambition is to become a highly skilled surgeon, and this is driven by her desire to have a positive impact on people’s lives through the art of surgical intervention.
Tell us about your career and/or educational journey so far.
I am an alumna of the Immaculate Conception Catholic School, where I completed both my primary and high school education. I am honoured to have been awarded the prestigious ROSS 2023 Scholarship and I am deeply grateful for receiving the Lynette Isaac Award, which reflects my passion and interest for surgery. Currently, I am gaining valuable experience through my internship at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), where I work in the Anatomy department and occasionally contribute to Lab Services. Alongside my internship, I am pursuing my second-year of studies as a natural science student at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College. My goal is to become a skilled surgeon. I have a deep passion for the field of medicine and a strong desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives through surgical interventions.
What inspired you to become a Youth Health Advocate?
I was inspired to become a youth health advocate because having been born and raised in our local community, I hold a profound passion for ensuring that every individual, especially our youth, has the opportunity to experience a higher quality of health and living. It is my sincere belief that by advocating for the well-being of our youth and actively serving as a dedicated voice for them, we can create a positive and lasting impact on the overall health and vitality of our Federation. This involves raising awareness about their unique health challenges but also actively listening to their concerns, amplifying their voices and addressing their needs. I want to empower our young people, ensuring that their voices are heard and their well-being is prioritised.
What role do you think policy plays in improving public health?
I believe that policy is that trusty framework that makes choosing the healthier option a no-brainer, sparing you from the constant inner debate over those tempting unhealthy foods. Effective policies transform the healthy choice from a chore to a no-brainer. The value of effective health policies is that they nudge us towards healthier choices without restricting our freedom to enjoy occasional indulgences. These policies create an environment where making the right choices becomes the natural option for most of us, fostering a balanced and sustainable approach to better health.
How does your role as a Youth Health Advocate align with your career goals?
As a youth health advocate, I can educate young people about preventive measures and healthy lifestyles. This seamlessly aligns with my prospective role as a surgeon, where I’ll not solely treat medical conditions but also emphasise the importance of prevention. Furthermore, advocacy is often associated with addressing various aspects of young people’s well-being, including mental health and other social determinants of health. This complements my commitment as a future medical practitioner. Moreover, youth health advocacy offers me the opportunity to make a positive impact on my community’s overall well-being.
What are you most looking forward to about working with Lake Health and Wellbeing and the You’re Sweet Enough campaign?
I’m excited about the opportunity to join Lake Health and Wellbeing and actively contribute to the ‘You’re Sweet Enough’ campaign. It aligns with my passion for promoting healthier lifestyles, provides a platform to address crucial health issues and offers me a chance to collaborate with dedicated professionals for the betterment of our community’s well-being in St. Kitts and Nevis
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I have a deep-rooted passion for learning languages and a dream of travelling the world. I am a true globetrotter in the making. You could say that I’ll be “collecting languages like souvenirs while exploring every corner of the globe,” because I’m always eager to discover new ways to communicate and connect with people from around the world, all while embracing new cultures and experiences.
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