When most students consider pursuing a career in the medical field, it can be easy to get caught up in the challenges of lengthy schooling, intense studying and pressure. Though these are all considerable aspects of a healthcare career path, a club at LOHS is highlighting something equally important: compassion. 

The Hearts and Helpers Club, cofounded by sophomores Sahashra Vuyyuru and Leila Longeteig, is a new club at LOHS introducing Lakers to a look inside the medical field. Members can contribute to their communities by creating hygiene and craft kits for patients, brightening their days not only with fun trinkets like pop-its and bracelet-making activities but also by providing essential supplies. Hearts and Helpers encourages those outside the community, as well as supporting those within. Once a month, seminars are held featuring an invited medical professional who provides insight to those interested in their career. By helping out within the club, members are finding hands-on experience that lets them better understand the responsibilities and challenges of the field. 

Vuyyuru, who cofounded the club this year, has experience volunteering in hospitals and wanted to bring that experience to her peers. She expressed, “I can tell how it impacts people, and that influenced me to want to teach high school kids what’s available for them if they want to go into the medical field.” Through service and interaction with medical professionals, she hopes that the club can inspire others to explore their passions and futures, just like she has. 

We can all get absorbed in getting the best grades or internships to improve our odds of success, but Hearts and Helpers reminds us that helping others in our community can be the most rewarding part of trying to make an impact.