Whiz Kid: 'I Will Be Satisfied as Long as I Am Able to Help Others'

Leah Rush

School: Recent graduate of

Accomplishment: Leah was awarded a $500 scholarship from the doctors of NorthPointe Foot & Ankle in Berkley. “We asked the students to share with us why they are looking to pursue a career in the medical profession. Leah’s remarks hit home,” said Dr. Jeffrey Frederick of NorthPointe Foot & Ankle. “We wish her the very best and are glad to help in some way.”

Juniors and seniors at Berkley High School with a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher were invited to apply for the scholarship. The application called for a 500-word essay on why the medical field interests them. Frederick, Dr. Lee Hoffman, Dr. Charles Kissel and Dr.Michael Schey are the podiatrists at NorthPointe Foot & Ankle.

Scholarship winner chosen for giving back

Leah plans to attend Wayne State University in the fall, she told NorthPointe in her application letter. She wrote that helping others is “my passion” and comes naturally.

“While growing up, I became accustomed to seeing my family and friends lending a helping hand whenever they could,” she said.

She recalled helping her family make gift baskets for homeless people during the holidays, providing gifts for foster agencies and volunteering at animal shelters.

“Throughout all of the difficult occasions that I volunteered, it did not matter if my efforts were recognized or if I received an award,” she wrote. “All that mattered to me was that I knew that I had made a difference in someone's life.”

Picking a specific career in the medical field is something Leah is still contemplating. She said she is thinking of becoming a physician's assistant with the ultimate goal of becoming a pediatrician. During her four years in high school, Leah said she has worked at two latchkey programs and discovered a love of working with children. Being able to help them and make a living doing it would be her “dream job,” she wrote.

When it comes down to it, however, Leah said only one thing matters.

“I will be satisfied as long as I am able to help others,” she wrote.

Leah received the $500 scholarship and recently met with the doctors of NorthPointe to ask career questions and enjoy a tour of their office. This was the first time this scholarship was given.

Key to awesomeness: Leah said it best in a thank you letter sent to the podiatrists at NorthPointe: “Knowing that others have faith in me and my goals inspires me to reach new levels of excellence. I hope that one day I will have the opportunity to give back to a member of my community the way that the NorthPointe Foot & Ankle Medical Group did for me.”