Today we’d like to introduce you to Subha Sundaram
Subha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Our journey to SHER- Student Health Economic Recovery- began with a shared passion for two things: economics and health systems. As a group of teens with aspirations to pursue careers in these fields, we had been taught the importance of understanding how systems work and how those systems affect real people. But there was one problem we couldn’t shake: the health and economic recovery of students post-pandemic wasn’t being addressed in the ways it should be.
Each of us came from a different background within these fields. Some of us had a strong understanding of the financial barriers that hindered students’ access to essential resources. Others were deep into health systems theory and the practical applications of healthcare accessibility. Together, we shared the desire to put our knowledge to work and make a tangible impact on our community.
As the pandemic unfolded, we saw firsthand how economic hardship and disrupted healthcare systems were hitting students the hardest. Classes moved online, schools shut down, and students found themselves isolated, both mentally and physically. Many were struggling to access basic healthcare, while others were falling behind academically because of the economic pressures at home.
That’s when we realized: We have the tools to do something about this.
Our combined knowledge in economics and health systems, mainly from research I conducted at over three research institutions to bring quantifiable data to our group, meant we understood how the intersections between finance and healthcare shaped outcomes for students. We knew that even if schools could offer academic support, it wouldn’t matter if students didn’t have access to the resources needed to stay healthy—mentally and physically.
So, we decided to create a project that would address this gap—something that would focus on both the economic recovery of students and their health. That’s when SHER (Student Health Economic Recovery) came to life. We wanted to design solutions that would make healthcare more accessible for students, reduce the financial strain on families, and promote wellness programs that actually worked for students’ unique needs.
We started by analyzing the existing systems. Our economic backgrounds gave us insight into how policies could change to help students recover financially, while our understanding of health systems pointed us to the gaps in healthcare access for young people. The more we dug into the data, the more we saw how connected the two issues were. If students couldn’t afford healthcare or mental health support, they couldn’t recover. And if they couldn’t recover, they couldn’t succeed academically.
This led us to our core solution: a combination of financial support, accessible health resources, and targeted wellness programs that would help students heal and thrive. We began advocating for policies that would lower costs for student healthcare, creating partnerships with local organizations to offer mental health counseling, and working with schools to implement new wellness initiatives that were both affordable and effective.
As teens with a deep understanding of economics and health systems, we knew we had a unique perspective. By focusing on both health and economics, SHER was able to offer real solutions to real problems, proving that even at a young age, we could make a difference.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall, we have faced considerable skepticism from those who believe our age poses a boundary. However, one thing we are proud to boast is that every setback has pushed us forward. We have collectively grown to work in tandem with the state representatives at the GA House of Representatives, members of our city council, those at the DPH, and over 4 more organizations.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about SHER- Student Health Economic Recovery?
SHER is a student-led initiative with a clear goal: to drive policy change focused on improving student health and economic recovery. As a group of passionate students with backgrounds in economics and health systems, we’ve identified gaps in how health and economic issues are addressed within our educational systems, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. We specialize in researching and advocating for policy reforms that promote better access to healthcare, financial support, and mental health resources for students. What sets us apart is our unique approach: rather than simply offering programs, we focus on influencing the policies that shape how these resources are allocated and implemented.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I’ve always been curious about how things work, especially when it comes to economics and healthcare systems. I’ve always found myself asking questions and trying to make sense of how different aspects of society fit together. I tend to be thoughtful and focused, always looking for ways to learn and apply what I know to real-world problems. Whether it was diving into books or participating in projects, I’ve always wanted to make a meaningful impact, not just for myself but for others around me. That’s why SHER means so much to me—it’s an opportunity to apply my understanding of economics and health systems in a way that could help improve our intricate policy and health sector.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @shercentral
