Speak Up, Work Hard, Never Give Up

Bullying isn’t something that’s talked about in the Philippines, said student volunteer Sofia Therese Sitaca. So, when bullies made her a target while she was growing up, she didn’t feel like she could speak up for herself. 

Attending Operation Smile’s International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC) helped her find her voice, she said. Now the 16-year-old from Manila is ready to help others find theirs, too. 

“From the first moment that I stepped into the room, I already started learning a lot, not only about Operation Smile, but about myself and how I could grow as a person,” Sofia said, recounting her first day at ISLC 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia, in the U.S. “We started off with an improvisation workshop, and I think there I just grew in my confidence because I was like, ‘Oh, I could speak up for myself.’ … To have the confidence to step up and do whatever I think I want to do was a really big step in my own journey as an advocate.” 

For more than 30 years, Operation Smile has hosted its annual ISLC to help its global network of student volunteers become even better advocates for people born with cleft conditions. Throughout the weeklong conference, which is held in a different location every year, high schoolers and undergrads learn from inspiring speakers and take part in interactive workshops that equip them with skills necessary to make a direct impact in the lives of Operation Smile’s patients in their country and beyond. 

“My voice has become important to me, and I just want to tell other kids that you can speak up and fight for yourself, too,” Sofia said.  

Hundreds of Operation Smile student advocates from more than 20 countries will come together for ISLC 2025 this July at the University of Maryland in College Park, not far from the U.S. capital of Washington, D.C. While we look ahead to ISLC 2025, let’s review some more lessons learned from student volunteers who attended ISLC 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. 

“I’ve learned the importance of working hard and just pursuing your dreams, no matter the challenges.”

Aisha Tijani of the United Arab Emirates was already feeling confident in the path ahead of her; an aspiring doctor, the Operation Smile student volunteer had served on two surgical programs and supported patients through the process. Aisha was even ready to begin medical school after returning home from ISLC 2024.  

The only question mark it seemed was her specialty.  

After hearing from medical professionals representing different fields during a panel presentation at ISLC 2024, she said she was excited she got to talk with the plastic surgeon. And even though it means a significant amount of time in school, Aisha said she was convinced to pursue a career in plastic surgery. 

“My time here (at ISLC) has been the most amazing thing I’ve experienced in my 18 years,” Aisha said. “… I’ve learned the importance of working hard and just pursuing your dreams, no matter the challenges,” she said — even if that means more years of school. 

“It’s going to work. We are here because of it.“

To Marina Chavez, ISLC is proof you should never give up.  

 After all, Operation Smile Co-Founder Dr. Bill Magee shared at ISLC that some of his ideas had failed or been ignored — and yet his ideas helped to bring everyone together to help people around the world, she said.  

“Dr. Magee talked about how his ideas were neglected and like, failed. And sometimes I relate to that thought,” said the student volunteer from Ecuador. “So, what I learned (from ISLC) is … keep going, give your ideas, and never give up because it’s going to work. We are here (at ISLC) because of it.”  

Marina said it’s difficult to start a club inside a school in her country. Encouraged by Dr. Magee’s story, she said she is determined to build a community club instead.  

Marina said she’s been through some hard times, but being at ISLC made her feel free. And she wants everyone to enjoy that feeling.   

When asked what she’d say to students who are on the fence about attending ISLC, the high schooler said: “Sometimes we spend, like, dollars on a bottle of coffee and stuff. Just get your money and try to come to the next ISLC. It’s really worth it. Meeting so many people, meeting so many different personalities. … You have a safe space.” 

ISLC 2025 will be held from July 21 – 27 at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland, U.S. Student volunteers ages 14 to 21 are welcome. Applications open Dec. 13 at studentprograms.operationsmile.org. Follow @osstudpro for updates.