Meet our latest Super Teen Finalist!
“I started to think of my life as a journey; one with a meaningful ending with hardships along the way.” That’s how Super Teen Phoo Kyaw, of John Dewey High School, dealt with the biggest challenge of her life: growing up in a new country and learning a new language on her own. Phoo emigrated from Myanmar with her parents when she was a child. While most of us would be satisfied by learning to speak another language fluently, Phoo set her sights even higher. She studied hard throughout high school, worked for an assemblyman, is passionate about science, and will attend college in the fall.
Surprisingly, this is not what Phoo is most proud of. That would be her nomination for a medical program called Lead America. Through this program, Phoo traveled to John Hopkins University and worked on an epidemiology case study, observed a surgeon, and investigated the prevalence of Methemoglobinemia. As Phoo describes, “the experience that I got during this conference will never be forgotten.”
After graduation, Phoo plans to attend a research university with a top science program. Then it is on to medical school where she will train to become an anesthesiologist. “The role of the anesthesiologist is very important and I would like to experience it,” Phoo explains. “I enjoy doing the investigation, searching, and problem solving that are related to medical issues.”
Phoo overcame obstacles and a language barrier to get where she is today. And she is supportive of everyone who works hard for their goals. “Be adventurous, committed, have fun, be dedicated and be determined,” she advises. You will be very happy with the outcome.
> To see this finalist and other Super Teens, check out the Super Teens page. To nominate yourself or someone else, follow the directions at NextStepU.com/SuperTeens. One of the finalists from this school year will win a $1,000 prize to help with college expenses.
RULES: No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. NextStepU’s Super Teens Contest begins 09/01/13 and end 05/23/14. Must be 13 years of age or older to enter or win. Winners will be notified by email, Facebook message, and/or Twitter message on or about 05/23/14.
