Sphere of The World: We may not all lead global initiatives, but we contribute to the world by how we treat others, how we use our voices, and how we advocate for justice. Our habits—how we consume media, how we spend our money, how we uplift others—are echoed throughout the world. Even our smallest decisions contribute to larger change when done with awareness.
Sphere of My Community: Impact continues to grow as we extend it outward, whether through volunteering, mentoring, advocacy, or education. Even small, consistent acts like volunteering for local organizations are powerful when rooted in empathy. Being reliable and culturally aware makes community service more than a checkbox; it becomes an exchange.
Sphere of My Inner Circle: When you’re grounded in yourself, it naturally flows into your relationships. You become able to hold space, not just physically, but emotionally. I have seen how my own clarity allows me to be more present with loved ones, to check in meaningfully, and to support them without projecting my own stress or distractions.
Sphere of Myself: This is the foundation. Showing up for yourself means honoring your boundaries, feeding your curiosity, taking care of your mental and physical health, and practicing self-awareness. I have learned that when I prioritize rest, reflection, and purpose-driven routines, I operate from a place of abundance rather than depletion.
Spheres of Impact: We often think of impact as something grand: starting a movement, changing lives, fixing systems. But meaningful impact originates from the smallest circle: yourself. From there, it ripples outward, molding your relationships, your community, and even the broader world. These are our spheres of impact—each interconnected, each influencing the next.
Blog Post: Reflection
For much of my life, I believed that making a difference required grand gestures such as organizing large-scale initiatives or founding multimillion-dollar startups. While these efforts are undoubtedly impactful, I have come to understand that meaningful change often begins in subtle, personal ways. True impact starts with the individual and gradually extends outward, creating ripples that influence one’s immediate relationships, community, and, ultimately, the broader world. These interconnected domains form what I consider to be my spheres of impact.
The first and most essential sphere is the self. I have found that in order to contribute meaningfully to others, I must first be grounded in my own well-being. This involves maintaining daily practices that support my emotional, mental, and physical health. Every day I aim to exercise and journal as a means of relaxing and reflecting on my mindset, allowing me to operate with greater clarity and purpose. Small but consistent acts as such help me maintain a sense of balance and resilience. More so, they serve as a foundation for every subsequent layer of impact. By honoring my needs and growth, I become better equipped to serve others.
When I am centered, I am able to engage more fully with those in my inner circle—friends,
family, mentors, and loved ones. My approach to these relationships is rooted in empathy and intentionality. I make a concerted effort to reach out regularly, whether through thoughtful check-ins, shared moments, or simple gestures of encouragement. These connections are not transactional; they are nurtured through consistent care and genuine presence. I have also come to appreciate the importance of not just hearing someone but listening to them. Often, the most powerful support one can offer is the willingness to simply be present. This mindset fosters mutual trust and emotional safety, both of which are vital to cultivating meaningful and lasting relationships.
Beyond my immediate circle lies the broader community, a space where action can create
profound change. My work at Big Bend Cares, a local AIDS/HIV nonprofit organization, has
taught me that impact is not limited to major initiatives; rather, it often manifests in small,
everyday interactions. Whether I am greeting clients at the front desk or helping them navigate appointments, I strive to create an atmosphere of dignity and respect. One area of particular significance to me is language accessibility in healthcare. Growing up in a bilingual household, I have witnessed firsthand how language barriers can inhibit effective care. This awareness has informed my commitment to creating more inclusive environments, especially for patients with limited English proficiency. By embracing culturally competent practices and improving my fluency in various languages, I aim to reduce disparities and foster greater trust between healthcare providers and the communities they serve.
While the world may seem distant or abstract, our daily actions inevitably contribute to its
trajectory. Though I may not yet have global reach, I recognize the power of intention in shaping the broader world. Staying informed, supporting equitable policies, advocating for underserved populations, and challenging systemic injustices—all of which I strive to align with my values and actions. Impact at this level may not always be visible, but it is no less significant. Through consistency, integrity, and cultural humility, we each have the capacity to influence the global community in meaningful ways.
As I prepare to participate in the Children’s National Hospital Project this summer, I see it as an opportunity to expand each of these spheres of impact in a deliberate and informed manner. This experience will allow me to engage with pediatric healthcare settings, observe clinical practice, and deepen my understanding of health disparities affecting children and underserved populations. To make the most of this opportunity, I intend to adopt several key practices: daily reflection to document insights and moments of learning, a commitment to cultural humility by remaining open to others’ lived experiences, and proactive engagement in both clinical and community-based settings. My ultimate goal is not only to gain practical experience, but to grow as a reflective, service-oriented individual. The internship is not just a means of growing as a physician, but as a proponent of healthcare equity and accessibility.This summer, I look to strengthen my ability to advocate, communicate, and contribute meaningfully to both individual lives and systemic change.
True impact is not defined by scale, but by intention. By showing up consistently for ourselves, our loved ones, our communities, and the world, we lay the groundwork for meaningful transformation. These efforts may begin quietly, but over time, they flourish into something powerful. As I move into this next chapter of learning and service, I carry with me the belief that small, intentional actions ripple outward, shaping lives and systems in ways both seen and unseen. In cultivating these spheres of impact, I aim to not only grow as a future healthcare professional but also as a compassionate, thoughtful human being. – Lauren Afong
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