Grace Galan: An Inspiring Teen with a Passion for Pediatrics and Community Service
Grace Galan
Nomination by Christina Galan
Photography by Faith Photography
Issue 106 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
Nomination: Grace Galan is an amazing daughter, sister and friend. She leads with a kind heart by volunteering and helping others in need. She enjoys volunteering with her school and National Charity League. Her hope is to continue to give back to her community as she wants to work in pediatrics.
What other inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you, not mentioned in your nomination, would you like readers to know about?
One thing I would want readers to know about me is that I am always willing to try something new, even when I am not sure I will be good at it right away. I have learned to be comfortable being challenged and asking questions when I do not understand something. Whether it is taking difficult science classes, balancing cheer with school and service, or stepping into new leadership roles, I try not to let the fear of failing keep me from trying. I am proud of the person I am becoming because I have learned that growth does not always come from being the best at something. Sometimes it comes from simply being willing to keep going.
What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?
Right now, I am working toward my goal of becoming a pediatrician. My experiences shadowing and interning with healthcare providers have made me realize that medicine is about much more than treating an illness. I want to become a doctor who makes children and their families feel heard, especially families who may have difficulty accessing healthcare. I am also working toward college and challenging myself academically so I can build a strong foundation for studying biochemistry and eventually medicine. I know the path will be difficult, but I am excited about the opportunity to keep learning and eventually use what I learn to help others.
What could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?
I could talk about pediatrics and the human body for hours. I am fascinated by how something happening on a microscopic level can affect an entire person. My interest in medicine grew through shadowing and interning at Community Health Alliance, where I got to see how doctors interact with patients and families. What matters most to me is the human side of medicine. Every patient has a different story, and I want to understand the person behind the symptoms. That is one of the reasons I hope to become a pediatrician. Children cannot always explain exactly what they are feeling, so doctors have to listen carefully, pay attention, and understand each child as an individual.
What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year?
Over the past year, I have learned that being a leader does not always mean being the person in front. Through cheer, school, and service, I have learned that leadership can be as simple as being someone others can rely on. Sometimes that means helping someone who is struggling, accepting correction, staying positive when things do not go as planned, or doing something that needs to be done without being asked. I have realized that people notice consistency. I want to be the kind of leader who makes the people around me feel supported and knows that leadership is more about what I do than what title I have.
What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you?
My mom nominated me, which makes this experience especially meaningful to me. She has always been one of my biggest supporters and has encouraged me to work hard, try new things, and pursue my goals. One of the things I appreciate most about her is that she believes in me even when I doubt myself. I am grateful for everything she has done to help me become the person I am today, and having her nominate me makes this opportunity even more special.
Tell us about the person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like?
I met my photographer through my best friend’s family. Since we already had that connection, the experience felt comfortable and easy instead of feeling like I was meeting a complete stranger. I really enjoyed getting to know her better and having someone capture this part of my life. I am grateful that my best friend’s family helped connect us and gave me the opportunity to have these photos taken.
How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you?
I first heard about Inspiring Teens Magazine through the person who nominated me. Being part of the magazine is meaningful to me because it gives me the opportunity to share parts of my story and the experiences that have shaped me. As a student, it can sometimes feel like everything is about grades, accomplishments, and what comes next. I like that Inspiring Teens recognizes the person behind those accomplishments. Being included would be an opportunity to celebrate the people and experiences that have helped me grow while also hopefully inspiring another student to believe in themselves.
How will earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you?
Earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine would help me as I begin the next step of my education. I plan to attend college and pursue a path toward becoming a pediatrician, so there will be many years of education ahead of me. Any scholarship support would help with the cost of college and allow me to focus more on my education, experiences, and service. More than the financial support, I would also be grateful to know that someone believes in my goals and the work I am putting toward them. That encouragement would mean a lot as I begin this next chapter.
Look for Grace in issue 106 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
* Interviews are shared in the teen’s own words so their authentic voice shines through.
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