In Her Words: Our Duty to Uplift Others

By Theresa Siaw

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to help others. I used to give my lunch money away to other students so they would have money to purchase their meals. I believe my life’s mission is to lift up the people who need it the most. My life isn’t perfect, but I quickly learned that I have a platform and the resources to help people who are commonly overlooked.

After starting my business, I decided to gear my energy towards others. With a passion for the medical field, I founded the OMNI Medical Student Training Program to help students who have dreams to become doctors. The program assists students who went to medical schools in foreign countries transition back to the United States and get placed at their dream job. 

Many hopeful students struggle to get accepted into medical schools in the states. I feel that this is because the tests put a lot of pressure on people and are not a great indication of their actual potential. Knowing that I was always a horrible test taker, I resonated with many of these students.Therefore, some of these students took their skills abroad to attend medical school, but it’s incredibly hard to get back into the industry upon return to the US. That is where my program comes in and assists them so that they can live out their dreams to help others.

Living in Chicago, I have met many people from all walks of life. I have learned that people might face adversity and obstacles on their path, but despite all of that, I know that everyone has a purpose and potential to do something great. Just because they don’t fall into society’s cookie cutter standards doesn’t mean they cannot achieve greatness!

I would like to encourage everyone, on a small or large scale, to help shine their light on other people who need it. Even just a small act of kindness can make a huge impact on someone going through a difficult time. Above all, I think it’s important for people to realize the privilege that they have and use this to help those who are not as fortunate.