By HUSSAIN LALANI

Special to The Lion's Tale

Editor's Note: Hussain is now a student at Duke University and is a certified EMT.

    The BioMed Academy. It has been in existence for over 13 years; it continues to help students get involved in the world of medicine; it sends off students to America’s finest colleges; it is comprised of wonderful faculty members; it is arguably R.L. Turner High School’s greatest asset and YET there doesn’t seem to be enough hype surrounding the program. The Academy of Biomedical Professions, Biomed as we know it, is committed to providing students with the opportunity to experience various forms of health care.

     Whether it is treating patients in the ambulance as EMT’s (Emergency Medical Technician), providing care to the elderly in nursing homes as CNA’s (Certified Nurse Assistant), shadowing nurses and physicians as clinical students, or taking an interesting course to see if health science is for you, Biomed is putting it all out there just for you! Now it is up to you as students to take control of your education and decide what it is you want to do. Opportunities like these aren’t available for students across the globe and they should be taken advantage of.

    There should be too many people signed up to take the above-mentioned courses — not the opposite! Furthermore, if there is something health science related that you’re interested in pursuing, it can be arranged. All you have to do is ask! So whether you are a freshman or a senior in Biomed, put a smile on your face and reap the rewards of the fantastic program before you. And for those of you who just can’t resist the thought of being a part of Biomed, swing by and speak with the Mrs. Jacque Tindel, the academy director, and I’m sure she will be able to work something out for you.

    At the end of the day, those who take the extra step to pursue their dreams never regret having done so. And that’s true whether you’re in Biomed or not.

     I challenge you to make a consistent effort to pursue your dreams at R. L. Turner because although your time here is limited, that doesn’t mean it should be constricted. There are a wide variety of skills you can acquire, but it is up to YOU to step up to the plate and swing for the fences. Your time is now and the sky is the limit – so make the most of it!