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Youth Summer Program participants gathered in Bornstein for the program's closing ceremony Aug. 20.
For the 97 teenagers who participated in the Youth Summer Program at BWH, a summer job was more than just a way to make some money. On Aug. 20, the students and their faculty advisors gathered in Bornstein Amphitheater to commemorate the completion of the six-week exploration program, which introduces students to the world of careers in health care.
“I learned things that a teenager in a different job, like a supermarket, wouldn’t have learned,” said Vickie Miranda, who spent her summer working in the Center for Community Health and Health Equity, learning about topics ranging from domestic violence to accounting practices.
Students in attendance also heard from Gary Gottlieb, MD, MBA, president and CEO of Partners HealthCare, and State Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez, House chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health.
“The entire world looks to the Brigham and Massachusetts when it comes to health and health care delivery,” Sanchez said. “The departments you worked in have local and global impact. This is a place where you can make a difference, in your life and in your community.”
Central Transport Services hosted 20 students from the Youth Summer Program and six additional students from Project Teach, a summer program geared toward exposing local high school sophomores to health, science and medical careers.
“The students handled more than 4,000 requests for transport,” said Central Transport Director Luis Soto Sr., noting that their assistance will be missed.
While all students worked hard over the summer, there was still time for a little fun. Elias Lopez and Philip Chen, two of the teenagers who worked in Central Transport, together with Luis Soto III wrote and performed a rap about their experience, which was met with laughter and applause during the ceremony. View their performance on BWHPikeNotes.org.
Six graduating students received college scholarships, and six more were named to the teen advisory council, a group created this summer to help promote the Youth Summer Program at neighborhood high schools.
Watch Youth Summer Program Rap
Performed by Elias Lopez, Philip Chen and Luis Soto III
Yo, this summer I worked at BWH Great opportunity that I could not afford to waste I work at Central Transport all day That was my platform, I shine on, no hesitate
I reported for duties on Floor 12 Every day produced good works like John Wells You know me, my lyrics are heartfelt ‘Cuz there’s great potential in me that dwells
I got trained by Luis, so I was his student My brain is quick, learning faster than a speeding bullet Surrounded by coworkers that are a great influence This ain’t rocket science but not everyone can do this
You can see me delivering some modules Haters talking smack, don’t even bother Just got a call – one small and one larger I practice this game everyday like an NBA baller
We at the BWH It ain’t like no other place We all working, no play We grinding hard every single day And it won’t ever stop Back and forth to the dock Don’t slack, you’re on the clock We climbin’ up, ‘til we on the top
Yeah, I’m giving away a medium sleeve Your boy is fresh, na dog, I never smoke weed I’m 18 and I’m aiming to stay clean Dirty equipment I leave it fresher than bling Yo, my raps relax like a sleeping cot Pack my bags, go to work, let the beat drop Walking down, saw a girl, I’m like, “she’s hot” But I stay focused on the job that I love, I thank God
Waiting for elevators was a hassle ‘Cuz I’m quiet they underrate me like Matt Cassel Proved them wrong, now they confuse like Babel Hate on others is gonna lead to your disaster
Let me go deliver some infusion pumps I’m on my grind from the tower to the ER Working hard as a team, that’s what we are Working hard as a team, that’s what we are
We at the BWH It ain’t like no other place We all working, no play We grinding hard, every single day And it won’t ever stop Back and forth to the dock Don’t slack, you’re on the clock We climbin’ up, ‘til we on the top