“If you put everything into and pour your whole heart into Francis Tuttle like I did, you will truly achieve so much, and you’ll have so many opportunities.”
When Simardeep Singh moved to Oklahoma from San Diego just before her freshman year of high school, it took time to adapt to the change. As a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, she often wondered why she was in her new state.
She found her answer at Francis Tuttle Technology Center.
After enrolling in the Biosciences and Medicine Academy (BSMA) on the Danforth Campus and becoming involved in Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), the Edmond North High School senior discovered a strong community and opportunities to grow and develop as a leader and future healthcare professional.
“I truly do believe that Francis Tuttle, BSMA, and HOSA were my reason,” Singh explained. “I’ve had the most amazing experience here. I’ve found myself again. I’ve found a community that supports me, and being surrounded by like-minded individuals has allowed me to connect with people I haven’t been able to connect with like that so far.”
Singh saw BSMA as a way to challenge herself, enhance her education, and prepare for college while exploring her interests more deeply. Her time in the academy has not only strengthened her academic foundation but also opened doors to valuable experiences.
Through HOSA, Singh built strong relationships and pushed herself outside her comfort zone as someone who is not always comfortable with public speaking. She now serves as her Francis Tuttle chapter’s president and as the Oklahoma HOSA Southeast Region vice president, which has allowed her to connect with students across the state and even in Colorado through a partnership between the two states.
Her leadership also extends beyond Francis Tuttle. At Edmond North, Singh is involved in Key Club and Pre-Med Club, serving as president of both organizations. She is also part of Students Leading Every Day (SLED) Mentors, where seniors offer support to freshmen as they transition from middle school to high school.
Since July 2024, Singh has been an intern at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC). She has also participated in the Volunteen Program at OUHSC, the SPEAK Teen Program at the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, and the Volume Summer Program at Bethany Children’s Health Center.
Recently, Singh was named a Career and Technical Education candidate as part of the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The prestigious program recognizes graduating seniors for their academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. She was one of two Francis Tuttle students named a candidate for the program, joining Madison Townsend, who attends the Criminal Justice Program on the Rockwell Campus.
In the future, Singh wants to work with children, potentially as a pediatric physician assistant or a pediatric optometrist. She is waiting on additional college decisions before determining where she will continue her education after graduation.
“I feel like kids really represent the potential in the next few generations and just hope overall,” Singh shared. “I’m so inspired by kids. I always wanted to center my future career around kids, and I’ve always loved medicine as well.”
Singh is also passionate about primary care, including expanding access to people living in rural areas, and has focused her capstone project on the topic. Additionally, she founded a nonprofit dedicated to providing accessible and understandable medical information to individuals in communities where healthcare resources may be limited.
For Singh, her time at Francis Tuttle — and the multitude of opportunities that have come with it — has been a defining part of her journey.
“What makes Francis Tuttle so special is the opportunities it opens for students,” Singh said. “The program truly embodies the idea that you get out of it what you put into it. If you put everything into and pour your whole heart into Francis Tuttle like I did, you will truly achieve so much, and you’ll have so many opportunities.”