As students attending Oakland University continue into higher education, a newly developed student organization brings awareness to the pediatric aspect of healthcare.
Undergraduate students, Lourd Lazar, president, and Melinda Yossif, vice president, explain the rising prominence of the organization: The Future Pediatrics of America.
“I was a Catechism teacher at St. George Chaldean Catholic Church,” Lazar said. “Being that role model for kids to look up to is what makes my day and keeps me going in my academics, so I wanted to contribute that same love and passion for children.”
Yossif is also passionate about giving back to the youth of her community.
“I’ve always loved going to the pediatrician, it made me love the hospital in general, so I want to do it back for the children,” Yossif said. “Getting toys for them, or getting cards, this simple stuff, when you’re a child at the hospital and at your lowest, those things matter.”
The two addressed the background of the organization, highlighting the importance of membership involvement by considering the volunteering and guest speakers aspect.
“The mission is to provide college students with the resources necessary to pursue their careers, our aim is to give back to the children, we always say, ‘for the kids,’” Lazar said. “We want to bring speakers that inspire our day-to-day lives and allow our members to enjoy the meetings.”
Members develop the opportunities through networking, volunteering and attending informational club meetings including fundraising events.
“We’ve had a successful bake sale, which allowed us to raise money to buy fifty toys for The Bottomless Toy Chest,” Lazar said.
Yossif echoes Lazar’s sentiments.
“What we’ve done with bake sale, and delivering the toys to the children, it was my favorite thing we’ve ever done,” Yossif said.
As this student organization brings awareness to the pediatric side of post-secondary education, there is no restriction to any community member getting involved with the group.
“It is more of just wanting to help, helping anyone in general,” Yossif said. “We are open to any major who wants to make a difference,” Lazar said.
As the organization continues to progress, there is a need for e-board and club members. A larger body of general members would allow the club to expand the size and scale of upcoming community service and guest speaker events.
“We want students to actually learn something from the meetings, that they gain something from this,” Lazar said. “We want to bring more amazing speakers and volunteering opportunities for our members.”
The organization continues to strive for excellence and wonderful opportunities for current and prospective students.
“I hope to help people in the midst of their sufferings, so they can forget,” Yossif said. “Even one kid, we don’t have to make every kid smile, if it will take their suffering one percent away, we accomplished our goal.”
Considering the impact the Future of Pediatrics in America has already made on the local community, the organization will undoubtedly continue to increase and benefit the children.
For future information regarding e-board positions, membership involvement, or future meetings with guest speakers and volunteering opportunities, contact [email protected] or [email protected]. For further information, access the Future Pediatrics of America on GrizzOrgs.
