Over eight thousand miles away lives the small village in India where The Classical Academy High School senior Vanya Lavu’s family is from and where her extended family still lives. Access to health care is extremely limited . Between 2021-2024 three of Lavu’s grandparents died.

“My life story and the adversities that my loved ones have faced inspires me to rise above circumstances and support people in their time of greatest need,” Lavu said. “This difficult season of my life … has led me to inspire the next generation by showing them that no matter the obstacles or difficulties they face, they can overcome them and pursue their dreams.”

When a close family friend was forced to wait weeks for a simple medication consultation due to language barriers, Lavu said that it fueled a passion to advocate for better health care access in underserved U.S. communities.

“It is crucial for health care providers to be aware of the unique needs of their patients,” Lavu said. “Many communities in the United States face significant health care disparities which affect individual health outcome and the overall well-being of communities.”

In the fall Lavu is planning to attend Elmira College’s Accelerated BS/DO program or the CU Denver Integrated Medical School Program. From an early age Lavu has remained passionate about medical care. Lavu has spent more than 120 hours volunteering at Sunrise Pediatrics in Colorado Springs, which supports disadvantaged and underprivileged families.

At Sunrise Pediatrics Lavu has had the opportunity to experience how clinicians assess a patient’s circumstances beyond the purely medical. Lavu remembers seeing a clinician spent extra time to refer a sick infant to multiple specialists to ensure the highest quality care.

“The experience significantly enhanced my empathy and patience,” Lavu said, “furthering my commitment to serving … and strengthening my belief in the importance of providing affordable holistic and effective care.”

Dr. Pamela Casson of Sunrise Pediatrics, who has known Lavu since she was a small child, said Lavu’s intellect, compassion, communication and leadership sets Lavu apart as one who will make the biggest difference in the long run.

“She is not afraid to ask questions when she does not know the answer,” said Casson. “Vanya Lavu embodies everything people want and need in a great physician. Vanya is just the sort of wonderful student the community should rally around.”

Over many years Lavu has rallied around her community not only in Colorado Springs but in India and rural Africa. A talented pianist, Lavu started her own business offering low-cost piano lessons to disadvantaged children. According to Lavu, the lessons mean more than just piano proficiency. They boost the morale of her students and helped them through difficult circumstances.

“Giving back to children in high-need communities has become my passion,” Lavu said “Through these efforts, I hope to create lasting change and ensure that every child — regardless of their circumstances — has the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive.”

Lavu is also involved with Sweet Aroma, leading fundraising efforts to provide education for 100 children in Africa. She also launched initiatives to support 30 Indian orphans who lost their parents to COVID-19, ensuring that they have food, clean water, school supplies and access to education.

“Vanya, whose name means Gracious Gift of God’, truly embodies the blessing she is to our family and others,” said Vanya’s father Klement Lavu. “We are most proud of her kindness, compassion and love for others. It is our hope and prayer … that she will continue to grow in favor, wisdom and (stature), becoming a compassionate physician.”