Senior Spotlight: Anya Trivedi, Wake Early College of Health and Sciences

  • Anya Trivedi smiles as she takes a patient’s blood pressure at Wake Tech’s Perry Health Sciences building. OK, the patient is just a mannequin, but the graduating senior from Wake Early College of Health and Science says she can’t wait to use the skills she’s learning to help real people.

     

    “I really do enjoy working with others,” she says, “and I want to have a career where I'm able to work with people daily.”

     

    Anya practices on a training mannequinAnya smiles for the camera

     

    Through the unique career-training opportunities offered at WECHS, Anya has developed medical skills alongside a rigorous academic curriculum. She’s on the verge of earning her EMT certification and spent her summer break exploring clinical pharmacy.

     

    Her school gives students unparalleled opportunities for hands-on experiences in health sciences, thanks in large part to its close connection with WakeMed, which is located just across the street. Through programs like the Summer Experience, students have the chance to volunteer and shadow professionals in specific hospital departments.

     

    By graduation, students can earn an associate degree with credits eligible for transfer toward a degree at any UNC system school. Anya plans to attend UNC-Chapel Hill and double major in chemistry and biostatistics before heading to medical school.

     

  • Leading through service

    Anya has also played a major role in her school community as a four-year officer in its chapter of HOSA – Future Health Professionals. The organization empowers students to become leaders in global health through education, collaboration, and experience. Anya served as HOSA’s statewide vice president last year.

     

    “I’ve gained a wonderful community of people who are passionate about healthcare,” she says.

     

    Sandy Tyndall, WECHS career development coordinator, says Anya’s leadership has been key to the chapter’s growth.

     

    “Her leadership has had an amazing impact on the WECHS HOSA chapter, growing our membership to 56% of the school and leading us to be recognized as the largest Division 1A chapter in North Carolina,” Tyndall says. “Anya has earned HOSA’s Barbara James Service Award at the state and international levels the past three years, and the President’s Volunteer Service Award the past four years, requiring more than 100 hours of volunteer service each year.”

     

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    Anya examines an IV bag

     

    Anya smiles while adjusting medical equipment

  • Anya wearing latex surgical gloves

  • ‘Another chance at life’

    Anya is looking forward to starting her college experience at UNC-Chapel Hill. But first, she wants to make the most of her summer break.

     

    “This summer I’m focused on getting my state EMT license, maybe working a summer job for some extra money, and spending time with friends - shopping, teenager things,” she says. “I just enjoy connecting with others and making the most of the moments I have with them.”

     

    Despite her impressive achievements, Anya remains thoughtful about her future.

     

    “Medical school is what I want, but I’m still figuring out what comes after that,” she says. “I have to remind myself, what’s your ‘why’? At the end of the day, healthcare providers are the ones who might give someone another chance at life. And I want to be someone’s chance.”