NYMC Students’ Altruism Shines with Woodfield Cottage Youth Initiative
The Initiative Launched by SOM Students Empowers Incarcerated Youth Through Education and Mentorship
Despite their busy schedules and demanding academic pursuits, the ongoing effort of New York Medical College (NYMC) students to make a positive impact in their communities continues to shine through. The Woodfield Cottage Youth Initiative (WCYI) launched last fall by Shelcie Fabre, SOM Class of 2026, and Farhha Feroz, SOM Class of 2026, is just the latest example of the altruistic determination of NYMC students. Through education and mentorship, the WCYI seeks to empower incarcerated youth at the local Woodfield Cottage juvenile detention center by offering individualized tutoring services, diverse educational programs, vocational exposure, and personal development resources.
The response from NYMC students has been overwhelmingly positive with more than 50 participating in WCYI to date. Since January, volunteers have dedicated themselves to weekly tutoring sessions, fostering meaningful connections and inspiring progress.
“It was such a unique experience to use what I learned in the first year of medical school to help Peter*, who is interested in a career in nursing, transform his study slides for the anatomy and physiology class that he is taking,” says Sumaita Mahmood, SOM Class of 2026. “Peter is so curious and passionate about his future, and I was humbled that he felt comfortable enough with me to ask about women's health and careers in the field. Our conversations were in-depth, and he filled up his slides with annotations beyond the scope of his class. I cannot wait to get back to tutoring because sharing that excitement about content for medical knowledge with someone younger just absolutely made my day.”
“It’s been a great experience and I think the most impactful part is getting to know the kids and make connections with them. Sometimes I don’t tutor so much as just talk about their interests, learn what drives them, and remind them of that motivation,” said Jenny Yang, SOM Class of 2027. “It’s very special to get to mentor and tutor these kids in whatever small way we’re able to. It’s also given me more perspective into how much privilege plays into where you get in this world and how important it is to try and level that playing field by doing things like helping kids keep up in school when they aren’t able to attend.”
In addition to the weekly tutoring sessions, WCYI also holds bi-monthly events for NYMC students, such as a recent open discussion and screening of 13th, a documentary following the history of racial inequality and mass incarceration in the United States, with guest moderators Traci Furbert-Gardner, M.D. ‘98, director of community engagement and clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at NYMC and chief medical officer at The Children’s Village, and Matilde Roman, Esq., senior vice president and chief equity, inclusion and diversity officer for Westchester Medical Center Health Network.
Future plans for the WCYI include a career day and resume-building workshops with representatives from various professions, community colleges, and vocational schools for students at Woodfield Cottage, to further equip them for success.
“I had the privilege of tutoring George*, a young man who taught me so much about the world. George was an avid learner. We would speed through algebra, eager to see what questions the history packet posed today. That’s when it clicked that we were both history buffs. Each question would lead to a lively discussion on a wide range of topics,” says Feroz. “I know George will make a positive and everlasting impact in this world because not only did I get to see his excitement for learning, but I also had the privilege of getting to know him as a person. The exposure I’ve had through WCYI in working with youth has instilled in me a drive to help young people like George who need support and guidance, and to never forget the importance of contributing to your communities beyond the walls of a hospital.”
*Names have been changed to protect the individual’s identity.