Editor,
As the pandemic unleashed its chaos, I was studying for my medical board exam. Just as I was feeling discouraged, I met Jenn Echevarria. We became running buddies – a bright spot in the midst of the dark onslaught of a disease-devastated nation.
As Jenn and I shared stories about childhood and the challenges of being first-generation in our competitive careers, I was impressed by her lifelong efforts to support others. From refusing to back down in an effort to allow girls to join the school wrestling team, to the countless women and children she supports by quietly sharing her free time with the most vulnerable through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, the Backpack Snack Attack, and the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign, she’s always working to bring others along with her as her aspirations blossom.
Our shared dedication to issues concerning health equity and social justice helped us carve out countless paths to follow with our passion. As I was just launching UnlikelyMDs, a fund through the Community Foundation of Orange & Sullivan, she provided crucial insight and pro bono legal work, helping us navigate the complexities of being a start-up. We would not have reached the number of underrepresented minority (URM) and first-generation low-income (FGLI) students we’ve served today without her help. She’s always ready to humbly lend a helping hand because she genuinely cares about the promotion of good work that serves others in her community.
In a largely self-centered society, Jenn holds onto the heartfelt childlike generosity that gets weeded out as we age and struggle. Instead, her own life’s challenges have invigorated her ambitions. Her beautiful outlook and optimism rubbed off on me: I ended up kicking butt on that exam, and that’s exactly what Jenn will do when she assumes office as Warwick Town Justice.
EMILY KAHOUD
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