Leadership
Muresuk Mena
My goal was always to become a medical doctor. One of the requirements during my undergraduate study was to take a literature class. This class required a research component where we could come up with our research project.
Throughout this experience, I reflected a lot on my academic journey and what brought me to where I was and where I am today. I told myself that if I could ever get involved in education, I would.
After I graduated, I had the opportunity to teach. I later got involved in various other opportunities where I was privileged to meet amazing people, be a part of unique experiences, and inspired by those around me and their stories.
In 2018-2019, I had the chance to work with a group of pre-k students who fundamentally changed my life forever. This same year, I worked with a group of high school students who are some of the most ambitious, talented, and creative people.
As my time with these two groups came to an end, and I was off to medical school, I desired to find a way to be involved. After talking to one of the boys in the after school program, Pack A Smyle was born.
This conversation taught me that a backpack does more than hold your supplies; it can also tell your story and what’s important to you. Pack A Smyle is an organization committed to equipping children with the essentials needed for school; it is an organization that reminds us that our imagination can change the world.