Fortin is one of 250 high-schoolers in the world invited
CARIBOU, Maine — Samantha Fortin, a 17-year-old junior at Caribou High School, has the distinction of being one of 250 high-schoolers in the world accepted to the Brandeis Global Youth Summit on the Future of Medicine this summer.
The summit, which takes place on the Waltham, Mass. campus from June 24 to July 2, 2016, is a residential program for high school seniors, juniors and sophomores across the world who have demonstrated leadership and interest in science and medicine. The program includes experiential learning, guest lectures, and opportunities to network with leaders in the global medical community.
Fortin, the daughter of Robert and Robin Fortin of Caribou, received an invitation to apply to the summit in November, and decided to go for it. She sent in an application, answering questions about the future of medicine, her leadership skills, and how she plans on helping others. Five days later, Brandeis sent her an email informing her that she was accepted.
“I was just scrolling through my email and wasn’t really expecting to hear back from them,” recalls Fortin. “I was kind of nervous when opening the email, and then I just could not believe that I got in. The first person I told, beside my family, was Mr. Atcheson and he was completely blown away.
“I also told Mr. Fishman, who is my Student Council adviser, and he’s been helping me get ready for college. He’s really been a mentor and was very excited about it. He’s definitely one of my biggest supporters and mentors here in Caribou High School and he’s definitely helped me develop my leadership skills and help me come out of my shell, so I owe a lot to him,” she added.
Fortin is unsure of whether or not she will be able to attend the summit, since she first needs to fundraise $3,000.
“It’s kind of a challenge,” said Fortin, “being a high school student and doing so many other things, I don’t have a lot of free time, but I think the opportunity will absolutely be worth it.”
Regarding specific future goals, Fortin said she would like to become a pediatric oncologist, which involves diagnosing and treating children with cancer.
