Meet Sofia Rousseau: CLAN United Nations Youth Representative
Interview taken 10th January, 2023
Tell us a bit about yourself
I'm originally from Brooklyn New York but I go to school at Lehigh University. At Lehigh I’m a Residential Advisor, so think of it as a building manager and am basically in charge of the dorm. I make sure the residents are all good and if they have any issues, I’m the one that is the first response basically.
I study population health on the pre-nursing track.
What motivates you to work hard, and to do what you do?
My parents originally aren’t from the US, they immigrated from Haiti in the late 90s. That's part of what motivates me to go to school, seeing that they work so hard to give me a better life. So I think being in college is just like basically because of everything they sacrificed for me.
How and when did you start working with CLAN, and what motivated you to do so?
I started working with CLAN in November of 2022. Nikki, who I had known since last year, suggested that I would be interested because of our interest in health, so I applied, and was interviewed, and here we are.
What is your role within CLAN and what projects are you currently working on?
My role is a Youth Representative at Lehigh and the project I am currently working on is preparation for the CSW67, and I’m excited!
What has been the most inspiring moment within your work with CLAN thus far?
When I realised how big a reach CLAN actually has. I remember my last meeting with Kate and Cath, they talked about how some people are actually doing a bunch of work in Indonesia at what CLAN has done overseas, when it comes to stuff like supporting access to medications. It shows that there are actual tangible results within CLANs work, with people with chronic illnesses, and that a lot of people around the world don’t have access to medication that we take for granted.
What advice would you provide to people who wanted to become Youth Representatives for CLAN?
I would tell them to be prepared for the time commitment and don't just do it as something for your resume, you should be genuinely passionate about it, and the team is fun and the people are great, so you should join definitely.
What are you most excited about in working with CLAN?
I'm excited to make a difference. I wanted to join because everyone was really serious about the work and I'm passionate about chronic diseases too, and excited to work with everyone. Most recently, I’m excited about the UN CSW67 event.
How has working with CLAN shaped your worldview?
I feel like because I grew up as a first generation American, I was already aware of the world was bigger than just America and there is a whole other world out there. But I feel like working for CLAN just showed me, gave me more of a glimpse into the healthcare systems around the world I would say.
Has working with CLAN opened up new opportunities?
I have the opportunity to speak at the United Nations.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself definitively back in New York, I’m a city girl for sure, and working in a hospital as a nurse and living my life.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I'm originally from Brooklyn New York but I go to school at Lehigh University. At Lehigh I’m a Residential Advisor, so think of it as a building manager and am basically in charge of the dorm. I make sure the residents are all good and if they have any issues, I’m the one that is the first response basically.
I study population health on the pre-nursing track.
What motivates you to work hard, and to do what you do?
My parents originally aren’t from the US, they immigrated from Haiti in the late 90s. That's part of what motivates me to go to school, seeing that they work so hard to give me a better life. So I think being in college is just like basically because of everything they sacrificed for me.
How and when did you start working with CLAN, and what motivated you to do so?
I started working with CLAN in November of 2022. Nikki, who I had known since last year, suggested that I would be interested because of our interest in health, so I applied, and was interviewed, and here we are.
What is your role within CLAN and what projects are you currently working on?
My role is a Youth Representative at Lehigh and the project I am currently working on is preparation for the CSW67, and I’m excited!
What has been the most inspiring moment within your work with CLAN thus far?
When I realised how big a reach CLAN actually has. I remember my last meeting with Kate and Cath, they talked about how some people are actually doing a bunch of work in Indonesia at what CLAN has done overseas, when it comes to stuff like supporting access to medications. It shows that there are actual tangible results within CLANs work, with people with chronic illnesses, and that a lot of people around the world don’t have access to medication that we take for granted.
What advice would you provide to people who wanted to become Youth Representatives for CLAN?
I would tell them to be prepared for the time commitment and don't just do it as something for your resume, you should be genuinely passionate about it, and the team is fun and the people are great, so you should join definitely.
What are you most excited about in working with CLAN?
I'm excited to make a difference. I wanted to join because everyone was really serious about the work and I'm passionate about chronic diseases too, and excited to work with everyone. Most recently, I’m excited about the UN CSW67 event.
How has working with CLAN shaped your worldview?
I feel like because I grew up as a first generation American, I was already aware of the world was bigger than just America and there is a whole other world out there. But I feel like working for CLAN just showed me, gave me more of a glimpse into the healthcare systems around the world I would say.
Has working with CLAN opened up new opportunities?
I have the opportunity to speak at the United Nations.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself definitively back in New York, I’m a city girl for sure, and working in a hospital as a nurse and living my life.
