Aralyn Hilliard

"I went on a mission trip to Guatemala a year after Volcán de Fuego erupted. I expected the trip to be a chance for me to impact others, but it was so much more. The region had not yet recovered from the devastation of the volcanic eruption. However, the people I met were resilient and thankful for everything they still had. Although I went to Guatemala to serve those impacted and to help repair the affected areas, I came back home not only with a sense of accomplishment but also a better understanding of who I am and how I can make service a part of my professional life.

I want a career in medicine one day like my parents. The Guatemala trip reminded me WHY. I want to impact others as a global citizen, serving people from around the world who I may not have anything in common with. I want to help anyone, anywhere.

Being a part of people's lives—even saving them—is what matters most to me. @doctorswithoutborders is my dream. Also, I want to open a school to teach those entering Doctors Without Borders about what it will take to be well-rounded and ready for real global service. To me, service means doing whatever it takes to put others above yourself. It means to play a role in someone's life. To make things better. That's who I am. This is what defines me. And, I'm just getting started.”

At just 16 years old, Aralyn Hilliard knows what her future holds. The daughter of two doctors and training in JROTC, she believes that to serve is to sacrifice, to assist and empower others is servant leadership, and to impact others is to motivate them to be the best they can be.