Propelling Adolescents Towards Careers in Healthcare
Meet Some of our PATCH Scholars
Lachu Adhikari
My name is Lachu Adhikari, and I am going to be a junior at Garinger High School. I am from Nepal, but I live in Charlotte, North Carolina. One day, I hope to become a cardiac surgeon. As I went through the PATCH, I learned a lot of things about medical care, but my favorite topics were OB/GYN or anything surgery-related. Outside of PATCH, I play soccer for Garinger high school, work with the national honor society, and serve as vice-president for the Nepali Youth Club.
Gabriel Covington
My name is Gabriel Covinton, and I am a senior at West Charlotte High School. It is my goal to become a pediatrician because I both like and want to help children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. I loved the entire PATCH program - it is hard to pick a favorite part. I loved that I was able to experience different careers that are a part of the medical field and I am thankful for the opportunity to be a PATCH scholar. Outside of PATCH, I am a cabinet member for West Charlotte's student government, the president of the Distinguished Lions club, and I play football.
Celestine Epps
My name is Celestine Epps and I am a junior at Vance High School. My goal is to become a physical therapist after I graduate because I am interested in the muscles and joints of the human body and how they function and heal. My favorite part of PATCH was visiting PT nurses because they showed me how much collaboration it takes to care for all their patients. I learned how special each patient is and the crucial role every nurse, assistant, and doctor plays in the patient's wellbeing. Outside of PATCH, I am part of the National Honor Society and participated in the Charlotte Observer's high school journalism Explorer Post.
Jacqueline Sandoval
My name is Jacqueline Sandoval, and I am a senior at Garinger High School. I aspire to become and OB/GYN because I am an advocate for women's health and believe this profession will give me the opportunity to give back to the women in my community. Through PATCH, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to shadow doctors who dealt with the care of women and children, which inspired me to become an OB/GYN. My favorite part of PATCH was doing the hands-on activities, such as learning to suture, putting on a cast, and working with my fellow PATCH scholars to learn about the ways we can benefit our community.
Windy Vang
My name is Windy Vang, and I am a senior at West Charlotte High School. One day, I hope to become a pediatrician because I am passionate about caring for adolescents and children as they grow up. Through the PATCH Program, I learned about many healthcare professions, including nursing, pediatrics, and physical therapy. It is hard to pick a favorite part of the PATCH Program because I loved every minute from the first Saturday morning until the closing ceremony. Outside of PATCH, I am involved in the National Honor Society, Family, Careers, and Community Leaders of America, and I serve as the secretary for the First Hmong United Methodist Youth Club.