Alejandro Dethlefsen

METWEST HIGH SCHOOL | HEAL, HIGHLAND HOSPITAL

It’s really different how humble it makes you, and more human because you were actually there instead of reading about it. You get a personal experience.

MetWest is a special kind of high school because on Tuesdays and Thursdays we have an internship of our choice. I was interested in HEAL because I like helping people and I think that I can find a high-paying job in medicine.

This is my second year in the program. I experienced many things that most juniors can’t say they have seen. My first year, I went to the emergency room and I saw complicated procedures. I saw a man die from a gunshot wound, a life being born from a C-section in labor and delivery, and I assisted in a procedure by handing tools. How many juniors can say that?

Last summer, I was in a program designed for men of color in underserved communities, through UCSF. Over 90 people applied; 20 got in, including me. Every day, I got on BART to San Francisco and was at the job from 8:30 to 5:30. It gave me a new experience to have a job in another city, and that I got paid for it too. Because of my many internships, doors have opened. I already have four acceptances to college.

I have a newfound respect for human life. It is very precious and makes me want to value the time I have even more. Getting out there and learning is the real stuff I love.