*The Frederick Douglass Academy (FDA) in Harlem, New York, was abuzz with excitement as students gathered for a momentous occasion featuring a visit from Ashley Marie Myatt, the reigning Miss Black America.
Held last month, the event was part of a collaboration with the Mentoring in Medicine program, designed to blend empowerment, education, and mentorship, ultimately fostering both academic excellence and personal growth among the students.
Miss Black America’s presence at Frederick Douglass Academy was more than just a ceremonial appearance. It represented a partnership with Mentoring in Medicine, a non-profit organization committed to guiding students from underrepresented communities into medical and healthcare careers. The event focused on cultivating leadership skills, self-confidence, and academic ambition among attendees. Myatt delivered a captivating keynote address, sharing her journey filled with challenges and triumphs. As an accomplished veterinarian technician with over a decade of experience, she spoke passionately about her aspiration to become a veterinarian and open a one-stop animal hospital.
“You have the power to change the world,” she told the students. “With determination, education, and the right support, you can achieve anything—whether it’s becoming a veterinarian, an entrepreneur, or the next Miss Black America.”
Representatives from Mentoring in Medicine also underscored the importance of diversifying the healthcare field. They discussed the representation gap in medical professions and advocated for more Black and Latino individuals to enter the industry to combat health disparities in underserved communities. Students were introduced to various career paths within healthcare and informed about mentorship programs, internships, and scholarships that could assist them in their academic endeavors, according to Black News.
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The event also featured interactive workshops, including a surprise hands-on lesson in animal care led by Miss Black America. She introduced a gentle rabbit named Hershey Fullerton Douglass, demonstrating the proper ways to hold and care for the animal. Through this engaging activity, she not only provided practical skills but also instilled empathy and compassion in the students, demonstrating the importance of responsible animal care.
In a heartwarming conclusion, the rabbit was donated to the school, where it will become part of the library under the care of librarian Mr. Ma, who expressed excitement about how this addition would spark curiosity among students.
The impact of Miss Black America’s visit on the students was palpable. Many expressed newfound interest in the healthcare field and a stronger sense of purpose regarding their futures.
“I never thought about becoming a veterinarian before today. But hearing from both Miss Black America and the people from Mentoring in Medicine made me realize that it’s possible,” one student remarked.
Another student, already keen on a healthcare career, felt motivated to work even harder after witnessing the success stories at the event.
The collaboration between Miss Black America and Mentoring in Medicine proved to be a powerful catalyst for the students of Frederick Douglass Academy.
Both organizations sent a resounding message of hope, resilience, and opportunity, reinforcing the school’s mission to uplift its students and remind them that nothing is impossible.
“Having Miss Black America at Frederick Douglass Academy is a truly transformative experience for our students. Her message of resilience and empowerment resonates deeply, reminding them that they have the potential to be leaders and change-makers,” Principal Fullerton reflected on the transformative nature of the event.
As students left inspired and emboldened by the knowledge that their community supports them, the legacy of this event at Frederick Douglass Academy is clear. It marked not just a single day of inspiration, but the beginning of a journey toward bright futures, guided by education, mentorship, and the belief that anything is possible.
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