Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Zakhour.
Amber, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am sixteen years old. I am one of four children. I have two older sisters, Chloe and Kayla, aged twenty-one and nineteen respectively. I also have a younger brother, Noah, aged nine. My family has always been very close, the love we have for one another is so immense. We are Lebanese and South African. We have immersed ourselves in these cultures through our many trips overseas. I am currently a junior at JSerra Catholic High School. I am part of a very highly-esteemed program, the Pre-Professional Medical Magnet Program. Since I was a young child, I have had a passion for medicine. I have known for almost my whole life that I want to become a doctor. This rigorous program I am in is prepping me for medical school. On Wednesdays, my whole medical class and I drive up to Providence Little Company of Mary Hospital located in Torrance, California to gain exposure to the hospital. This program has been a total whirlwind, it has helped me realize that I belong in the field of medicine.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road. I have encountered many struggles along the way to get to the point where I am now. Throughout the years, I have taken on numerous honors and AP courses that have pushed me to my breaking point. Some friendships have faded away since I realized the people I was surrounding myself with did not support me or have my best interest at heart. A few months ago, I lost my father. He was my hero, my rock, my absolute everything. My father was the person I called home. My family and I struggle to move on without him. Since he was our sole source of income, we struggle to stay afloat. On top of college applications and the stresses of junior year, I have had to start worrying about how my family of five will live on without him. Major responsibility has fallen on my sister’s and I’s shoulders. I give every cent I earn to my mother. Throughout these difficult points in my life, I have had to come to peace with the fact that everything happens for a reason. I have had to find it in myself to realize that what is occurring in my life is part of something bigger, something that I do not fully understand. You must come to peace with the fact that you cannot control your life, what is meant to happen, will happen. My advice to other women is to not feel discouraged with life’s many difficult hardships and do not stress the little things.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a babysitter. I have been babysitting the same five-year-old little girl for a year now. I have babysat many other little children over the years as well. I have such a deep love for little children, so I figured nannying would be a perfect fit for me. I have been exploring departments in medicine that involve children as well because they bring me contentment. I started babysitting when I was about twelve years old and I have completely fallen in love with caring for little children. I am a very humorous, light-hearted, and loving person. I feel as though I channel all these characteristics into my work. I believe my diversity and my ability to solve conflicts sets me apart from others. Throughout my life, I have been to many places and I have seen many things. These experiences have shaped me into the person I am today. I love being able to share stories and lessons that I have acquired to other people. I have also helped my oldest sister Chloe start a go get funding page for my family. Any donation to our family is greatly appreciated. Here is the link: https://gogetfunding.com/zakhour-family/
Who have you been inspired by?
My mother has inspired me so much in my life. She is a down to earth, selfless hardworking person who cares and loves a person unconditionally. She is a very trustworthy person who always looks out for her family. She moved from South Africa to America when she was only nineteen years old. She has been able to make a life for not only herself but her family as well. This is a true testament to the person my mother is. There is no one else in this world that I would want to be my mother. I will deem myself a very lucky person if I can become at least half the woman she is when I am older.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gogetfunding.com/zakhour-family/
- Instagram: @amberzakhour
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