As the final weeks of 2024 came to a close, so did another transformative season of the HERO Mentoring Program—an experience that left students more confident, more curious, and more connected to the world of health care than ever before.
This year’s cohort showed up with big questions and open minds. Over several months, they explored human body systems, dug into real-world health challenges, and connected with professionals who helped them see how science, community, and compassion all intersect in the field of health care.
They learned about the respiratory system through conversations about vaping and lung health. They considered the musculoskeletal system alongside honest discussions about disability stigma. They examined the digestive system in tandem with questions about nutrition, body image, and food access. Each session wove together anatomy, public health, and lived experience—and every student brought their unique voice to the conversation.
It was a lot more casual than I thought, which I appreciate because I feared that I would have to know a lot about anatomy already. My mentor adjusted my lessons to target the things I knew I had little knowledge on, and only briefly covered things I have already learned.
The program wrapped up with mentee-chosen focus sessions on topics like maternal health, infectious disease, neurodiversity, and vaccine access—giving students space to dive deeper into what resonated most. And even in a largely virtual format, the connection was real: students asked meaningful questions, mentors shared powerful stories, and together, they built something more than a résumé booster. They built a foundation.
I went into this experience with the intention of figuring out whether I’d want to be in the medical field or not, and came out of it with a new best friend and new perspectives on various medical topics.
And while the cohort has completed the program, their impact is just beginning. As they continue on their journey of career exploration, possibly in the field of health care, they now know that they belong in the conversation. That they can make a difference in their communities. That health care is a field with space for their curiosity and compassion.
One of the most profound aspects of this experience was witnessing my mentee’s growth over the course of our time together. They exhibited curiosity, determination, and a genuine passion for healthcare, and it was fulfilling to help them navigate their questions and aspirations. However, this mentorship was not a one-sided exchange; I, too, learned from my mentee. Their perspectives challenged me to reflect on my own experiences, biases, and approaches to guiding others. They reminded me of the resilience and potential that can flourish when students are provided with the right resources and support.
Want to be part of the next cohort?
The HERO Mentoring Program is open to 9th through 12th graders who live in Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orleans, Orange, Washington, and Chittenden counties who are curious about health care, eager to connect with professionals, and ready to explore how their own story might lead to a future in this field.
It’s also an incredible opportunity for health professionals to give back. HERO mentors don’t need to have all the answers—they just need to show up with honesty, warmth, and a willingness to share what they’ve learned.
The 2024 cohort reminded us that mentorship is powerful. That young people are already thinking deeply about the world. And that when we make space for their questions, we plant the seeds for a more connected, compassionate health care future.
To the students, mentors, and facilitators who made this year’s program possible: thank you.
You showed us exactly why HERO matters—and why we can’t wait to do it all again.
Learn more or get involved:
Interested in joining the next HERO Mentoring Program as a student or mentor? Complete this interest survey and a link to the application will be emailed to the address provided when the application opens in August. And don’t forget to follow us on social media: