Lily Lane is Dallas ISD’s Teen School Board president, something she counts as one of her biggest accomplishments. “I saw the real impact that Teen Board had on the district,” said Lily. “I knew that I wanted to lead my peers toward making lasting change for future students.”
Being a voice for Dallas ISD’s student body isn’t the only change Lily was looking to make. Ever since she was a young girl, she always knew she wanted to be a surgeon to help people have a second chance at life, just like she was given.
“Pediatric surgery came to mind because of the impact that surgeons had on my life,” said Lily. “I wanted to pursue a profession that challenged me to think, learn, grow, and give back. Without surgeons, many people, including myself, wouldn’t be able to lead normal lives.”
Born in China with a cleft lip and palate, Lily has spent more time in a hospital than the average person. It wasn’t until last year that she underwent her last constructive surgery. “I’ve always thought about the next surgery in the back of my mind, but now I can finally let that stress go,” she said.
Now a senior at School of Health Professions at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center, Lily is walking the path she always envisioned for herself, but making the decision that led her there wasn’t easy.
Lily also had ambitions to pursue competitive gymnastics with hopes of one day performing at the Olympics. After dedicating nine years and endless hours to the sport, she made the decision to follow her calling and immerse herself in the opportunities that drew her to Townview.
During her free time, Lily teaches gymnastics to young kids as a way of keeping her passion for the sport alive. After graduation, she will take a certification exam to become a phlebotomist and plans to work as one in college, which will help her gain more experience in the medical field. She plans to pursue a pre-med track in chemistry or biochemistry and hopes to go to medical school and become a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon.
