Humans of GA are often celebrated for their unbridled achievement and involvement in the surrounding community. Meredith Rizzi, a junior from the class of ‘24, has shown to be especially representative of these values. She was recently accepted into the University of Pennsylvania’s Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine Teen Advisory Council, and through this opportunity, she hopes to continue to foster her passion for serving her community.
Meredith first discovered Penn’s program after an inquiry during a doctor’s visit. She was immediately intrigued by the opportunity and began the application process. Meredith recalls, “It was a set of questions that assessed my character, as well as my goals for the program.” After completing these requirements, she promptly received her official acceptance in November 2022.
Penn Medicine’s Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine Teen Advisory Council, “is a group of high school students who work on projects centered around health and community service,” Meredith explains. “Members are meant to provide insight into ways to better medical practices for adolescents and young adults.”
As a member of the council, Meredith uses Penn Medicine’s resources as a vehicle for outreach: “My role is to serve my community through student-led service projects that will help children/teens in my community thrive.” In the short few months, Meredith has used this opportunity to bring a Cradles to Crayons drive to GA to collect clothing for underprivileged children in the greater Philadelphia area and help run another collection for Sunrise Senior Living.
The opportunity has been beneficial not only for those around her, but for Meredith’s personal and professional growth as well. “In my time in this program, I have gained leadership skills, organizational skills, and great friendships with my peers.” She hopes to continue to foster these capabilities throughout her time at Penn Medicine and act as a representative for those in her community.
While currently impacting the local medical field, Meredith wishes to continue to explore other career paths. “I have always liked science, but am not sure if I would go into the medical field. I want to learn and experience as much as possible about everything that I can.”
Nonetheless, it is evident that Meredith will continue to gain valuable knowledge and leadership experience that will aid her in the future. Her service to the community is truly impressive, and further demonstrates the positive difference all Germantown Academy students should strive to make in the surrounding community.