This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Columbia Barnard chapter.

Leor Akabas: CC ’14, Coordinator of HEAL (Health Education Awareness League)

1. Describe a typical day for someone with a leadership position in HEAL?

So there isn’t really a typical day per se with HEAL, since we teach once per week, but I guess some of the regular activities are formalizing the lesson plans we give to our volunteers each week, making sure we are in good communication with the school we teach at and with each other, and creating interactive activities and powerpoints for upcoming lessons. As students, one of the most challenging things is working with the New York City Public School system, since we are not necessarily a priority, so we deal with the consequences of that and try to work around that and still maintain a strong program.

2. Can you share a memorable or funny anecdote from an experience you had with the students you mentor?

One of the most memorable lessons from last semester was our lesson on pregnancy where one of the girls raised her hand and basically said “So is it okay to eat spicy foods when you are pregnant or will you hurt the baby and… and does your stomach shrink back to normal after you have a baby?” That was one of those “Wow” moments where I realized why I was there; that in seventh grade they had not been taught that you don’t actually have a baby in your “belly,” that it happens in a whole other organ. Now I am not being critical of these kids in any way, I am just giving an example of the questions we get and what sort of light we are then able to shed on their lives.

3. What are your specific topical interests in HEAL, and what made you decide to get involved with an organization that gives the opportunity to teach them?

To be honest, I don’t have a particular lesson I like to teach. I know that sounds lame, but each lesson raises so many great questions, and I think that is my favorite part, answering their questions. Second semester when we teach sex ed definitely raises many more questions and many more entertaining ones. It fascinates me every year how willing these kids are to ask some deeply embarrassing or unusual questions. But that is why I think HEAL is so great. We work with the same kids for the whole year so they warm up to us during the lighter topics of first semester and then completely open up during the more uncomfortable topics for seventh graders in second semester.

I got involved because I have always loved kids and love science and health. The messages and demographic of HEAL really appealed to me and I loved how we were able to get into the classroom and have a full period each week with the kids just to our selves (with teacher supervision). I volunteered in a Boys and Girls Club in my area when I was in high school and I know how valuable it is to have the mentorship of people like the HEAL volunteers in these schools where they may not be getting the same messages on education and health, etc. when they go home. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to join.

4. How has your involvement influenced your experience at Columbia University?

It has made me incredibly appreciative that I have the opportunity to study here and that I have a wonderfully supportive group of friends, professors, and family (my brother is a sophomore in the College with me.) It has also been a nice outlet from the stress of difficult classes because it was something I could always rely on to cheer me up because of the fantastic group of committed volunteers and the great kids we teach. Moving forward, I plan to pursue an MD/PhD but within that focus it has always been my goal to work with the types of communities that we work with in HEAL. Volunteering in HEAL has made me even more passionate about that goal.

1. How do you plan on celebrating the end of midterms season?

First, sleep. Then, just spending some time with my friends, who I feel like I haven’t seen in years, since our faces are currently firmly planted in our books. Bio majors…

2. Favorite coffee place

Oooof. If I really want to take a break from campus, I will head down to Gimme! coffee in SoHo. Other than that, I mostly a tea person, and I will usually head to Oren’s for their yummy selection.

3. Something you make time for every day even if you’re busy

So this is actually a really big one to keep me grounded and focused. I try and do some deep, almost meditative breathing to slow things down and keep me calm, since I tend to get pretty anxious (see Bio major previously mentioned). Other than that I try and get in some exercise because that is my biggest stress reducer. Whether that means going to the gym or taking a walk with a friend, I try and fit it in. I am always happier if I do.

Leor Akabas: Head Over HEALs for Health Education

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