Summit Educational Association

Dr. Rem Baylon, a pediatrician, and her daughter Marie both mentor at Summit. Marie currently attends high school and intends to follow in her mother’s footsteps, pursuing a career in pediatrics. Here are a few words of encouragement from this generous mother-daughter team.

DR. REM QUEJADA-BAYLON:
As a pediatrician and mother of six, I see how the problems of many children in our community – poverty, illiteracy, weak moral values – contribute to a vicious circle. Children go on to have babies of their own, who will also be poor. This leads to apathy and a lack of social conscience. We can’t allow this destructive process to continue. It just seems to make sense for me to do my part and give. Summit gives me that opportunity. Nicole, a nine-year-old who wants to become a doctor herself, confided in me how her parents work and how her 13-year-old brother doesn’t care about school. Nicole was surprised to learn that I was a doctor who had a couple of hours that week to spend helping her with her homework and brushing up her English reading skills. Our four daughters love to meet girls their age with whom they share so much in common. We are all enriched by the Summit experience. I want to share this experience, especially with my friends and colleagues. I also see it as a way of saying “thank you” to this great community.

MARIE BAYLON, AGE 16:
As a high school student, I thought I would have to wait a long time before I could contribute to healing the divisions in our community. Through Summit, I learned there is no reason to wait. I started mentoring with Summit last summer, and I loved the kids so much that I volunteered again for the fall program. The kids overwhelm me with their insight and enthusiasm. Watching them progress week after week, gaining more confidence in their academic performance and in every area of life, makes me feel more proud than a personal accomplishment ever could. It’s strange that we feel happiest when we empty ourselves of pride and give that energy to someone else. Summit has helped me understand that each person has unique talents, and that these gifts only grow when they are shared with others.