From left , Laurie ’ l Latimer , Dr . Jennifer Mitchell , Nahimie Loussaint , Dr . Harriett Crockett-Woods , DeStandreana Norwood , Dana Gould , Lola Sewo and Tori Gooden pose after the Sistahs in Medicine ’ s “ Self-Care Session ,” held Feb . 17 at PCOM South Georgia . Photo by Akilah C . Clarke
Girls in the Teens Have Visions 2 , Inc . health care club — or Junior Sistahs in Medicine , as they will be called — will have the opportunity to conduct some of their meetings on the PCOM South Georgia campus , thus allowing club members to be fully immersed in a medical school environment , Mitchell explained .
“ They can see it and feel it . That ’ s the thing for [ Teens Have Vision 2 , Inc .] -- I thought that it would be good to bring them to the school setting , just as we ’ re going out to C . A . Gray to bring them into the fold ,” she said .
Pittman and McHugh both agreed on the significance of volunteerism -- reaching back to the younger generation , breaking down stereotypes , and changing perspectives in the community through representation and mentorship while providing youth with the guidance that could one day translate into the foundation for their own medical careers .
“… Our presence in the community as young African American women creates an image of change , and our involvement with the youth idealizes how representation matters . … Through regular engagement and guidance , [ we ] help to inspire and empower young women to explore various career paths and develop the skills necessary to succeed in their chosen fields . This not only benefits the individual mentees but also contributes to the betterment of the community all while fostering a culture of support , growth , and development ,” Pittman said .
McHugh went on to explain how society ’ s future is directly correlated to the success of our youth , and why it is so important that organizations like the Boys and Girls Club as well as Brothers and Sistahs in Medicine partner together to support them .
“ It is crucial that we invest in them however we can ,” he said . “ In some form or fashion , a lot of us
36 MoultrieScene JUNE 2023