Leaving your Legacy
Earlier this month, I volunteered at the 2013 LEAD conference where I met high school students that are exceptional leaders in their schools and are actively involved in serving their community. Andres Montes, who is currently in medical school graduated from Georgia Southern was the key note speaker at the event. As an undergraduate pre-med student Andres had a dream. He had compassion for the amount of Americans that were sick but could not afford health care or medical insurance.
Andres perused his dream and established the Hearts & Hands Clinic which provides patients with health care for free. During the process Andres faced numerous obstacles especially in the political arena. Many times he was told that the stakes were too high, that establishing a free clinic just wasn’t possible. But yet Andres did the impossible, all while he was an undergrad pre-med student here at Georgia Southern.
The purpose of Andres’ speech was to inspire the high school seniors to continue their service and leadership when they enter college. His influence permeated the room and I was inspired as well. Andres was brave enough to break the mold and pursue his passion despite facing adversity. As a result Statesboro now has a fully functional and active clinic where patients can be treated free of charge.
Listening to his speech provoked me to think about the legacy that I will leave at Georgia Southern. Andres had a passion and he perused it until it came to fruition. I encourage you to be brave enough to peruse your passion. Andres and the Hearts & Hands Clinic is proof of what can happen if you are brave enough to go after your dreams.
~Keturah Bowe~
