Starting the Nightingale Public Health Association at Chapel Hill has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of high school When I first proposed the idea, I wanted to create a space where students could connect healthcare and policy in meaningful ways. What began as a small group of peers interested in health literacy has grown into one of the largest health-related club on campus. For me, I've never started a club completely from scratch. From Student Government to the school's Asian Student Association, I've always had a source of precedent and funds to pull from. Being the first to start something is an experience that has had tremendous impact on the way I think, and has boosted my respect for other club leaders. Through this project, I learned that public health leadership requires far more than an understanding of data or medicine—it demands empathy, collaboration, and persistence. From drafting our bylaws to reaching out to local health departments, every step pushed me to think critically about how to make complex health issues accessible and relevant to my generation. I also developed a deeper appreciation for how policy directly affects everyday lives, particularly in underrepresented communities.