Reflections from TPI’s Summer 2025 Interns
Each summer, The Pathway Initiative (TPI) provides high school students with meaningful exposure to careers in medicine, science, and technology through its Summer Internship Program. The 2025 cohort brought together a diverse group of motivated students from across Boston; each with unique aspirations and a shared desire to learn, discover, and serve.
Through a dynamic blend of workshops, laboratory experiments, and mentorship sessions, students gained practical skills and insights into the healthcare and STEM fields. They explored topics such as human anatomy, cardiology, and genetics, while learning laboratory protocols and engaging in collaborative group projects. These experiences not only deepened their understanding of science but also strengthened their confidence and sense of belonging in professional spaces where representation matters.
Below are reflections from several of our Summer 2025 interns, capturing the enthusiasm, curiosity, and determination that drive TPI’s mission forward.
Mariana
“I’m a soon-to-be junior in high school who aspires to become a dental assistant in the future! During my time in the Summer 2025 internship with TPI, I found many of the experiences to be new, interesting, and enjoyable. One of my favorite activities was the strawberry DNA extraction. It was a great experiment! I enjoyed working in groups and actually seeing what the DNA looked like. I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn in this internship, and I’m excited to keep learning more science and healthcare in the future.”
Meriel
“I aspire to be a Pediatric Nurse in the future. This Summer at TPI, I enjoyed the group work and being able to collaborate with my peers on certain topics involving the medical field.”
Sarah
“I aspire to be a sonographer or radiologic tech in the future. What I've learned so far during my Summer 2025 internship with TPI is the anatomy of the heart and cardiology. I really enjoyed learning about it.”
Aissatou
“I aspire to be a nurse in the future. What I enjoyed most about my Summer 2025 internship with TPI was doing group work with the other students.”
Lateef
“I aspire to be a Petroleum Engineer in the future. I've enjoyed meeting new people who have similar interests to me, giving me a bigger understanding of what I want to do.”
Elizabeth
“I aspire to be a physician in the future. During my Summer 2025 internship with TPI, I've learned about anatomy and common lab protocols like pipetting.”
Hyanny
“I aspire to be a Pediatrician or Cardiologist in the future. During my Summer 2025 internship with TPI, I learned about human anatomy, 3D printing, and laboratory protocols such as pipetting.”
Hayyat
“I aspire to be a travel nurse and get a PhD in physiology. What I have enjoyed most about my 2025 internship with TPI is learning about career paths and connecting with peers.”
The reflections of our Summer 2025 interns illustrate the lasting impact of experiential learning and mentorship. Through opportunities made possible by the support of donors, partners, and the TPI community, these students are gaining the knowledge, exposure, and confidence needed to pursue their dreams in medicine and STEM.
As they return to their schools and communities, we celebrate their growth and potential, knowing that they represent the future of a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system.
Together, we are creating pathways of opportunity, equity, and excellence; one student at a time.
Support The Pathway Initiative
Your support helps us continue building life-changing opportunities for young people from underserved communities pursuing careers in medicine and science. By investing in programs like the TPI Summer Internship, you empower students to explore their passions, gain hands-on experience, and envision themselves as future leaders in healthcare.
Join us in shaping a more diverse and equitable future in medicine.