When Nicholas Sherwin realized there was a need in his community for first aid kits at under-served schools, he decided to take on the responsibility of lending a helping hand himself rather than waiting for an adult to step up and carry the mantle.
He and his twin brother Benjamin Sherwin, both seniors in Strawberry Crest High School’s International Baccalaureate program, created Patch Up Pediatrics, a nonprofit organization that delivers high-quality first aid kits to local schools. He said the hope is, with a little bit of hard work and some support from the community, they’ll be able to ensure every child in the school system has access to top quality healthcare resources in times of need.
“I saw there was really a need in our community for health education,” Sherwin said. “We live in the (ninth) largest school district in the entire United States. Given the lack of resources that are distributed across the schools as well as the lack of health education, I kind of combined my interests in medicine as well as business to try and find something that could actually benefit our local elementary schools and the Boys and Girls Club.”
Both of Sherwin’s parents are in the health field and, using their advice and guidance, he said he and his brother began developing low-cost methods that would help as many local children as possible. Sherwin is confident the next generation of leaders are able to start reshaping their communities now and said he hopes his story will help encourage other youth to step up and start getting involved.
As part of an internship with Bank of America, Sherwin began working with the Boys and Girls Club and saw firsthand the impact the organization has on the community. He said he looked at several different summer programs but felt this one was “truly one-of-a-kind” as it merged volunteering and business. He was able to work directly with the company and learn aspects of running a business as well as the ins and outs of nonprofits. Despite his impressive resume, he said he was still shocked when Bank of America selected him as one of the honorary student leaders.
“I was really excited,” Sherwin said. “I knew it was relatively hard to get into and the fact that I was going to get to go to the leadership summit in Washington D.C. really was just such an exciting moment. Aside from sightseeing, which was really fun for me, we got to attend all of these workshops that taught us skills on how to run a successful business and we were able to hear from all of these professionals that are at the top of their field.”
Sherwin was one of approximately 300 students from around the country to attend the event and George Protopapadakis, account executive with RBB Communications, said it’s an experience students won’t soon forget.
“Overall, the program identifies students who were making a difference in their community, students like Nick, and gives them the tools to further that success,” Protopapadakis said.
Using the knowledge he gained this summer, Sherwin said he’s looking forward to discovering new ways to further impact the community, both with Patch Up Pediatrics and new endeavors. He said he one day hopes to merge his business interests with his passion for science to either start a business of his own or join one that matches his values.
He continues to be heavily involved in a variety of groups and organizations at his school and will volunteer and give back as frequently as his schedule allows. Its something he thinks every student should take the time to do, both to ensure they leave their community a better place, as well as for personal growth.
“I think it’s really important to be involved in the community,” Sherwin said. “You can have an impact, you can see the change firsthand. That impact really drives someone and makes them feel really fortunate for the opportunities they receive. When you’re working with other people, giving back, you’re growing and changing. You’re not completely ignorant to ideas and beliefs that are around you. You learn so much and you’re a better person for it… Be genuine with what you want to try and do. Even if it’s something small, even if its just volunteering for a few hours, just do it. Get that experience, it could open up your eyes and change your life.”
For more information
Patch Up Pediatrics: patchuppediatrics.org
Bank of America Student Leaders: about.bankofamerica.com/en-us/what-guides-us/student-leaders.html#fbid=TzOGbsGYsfr