Planting the Seed of Possibility through Children’s Literature

At the end of last semester, we were excited and felt deeply honored to hear that we would receive a generous donation of 500 copies of the children’s book Willis Watson is a Wannabe from Dana Dornsife, founder and Chief Mission and Strategy Officer of the Lazarex Cancer Foundation and one of the namesakes of USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. This heartfelt contribution has since been distributed to the young students we work with through our various programs, and we are excited to share how this inspiring book will support our work and the kids in our community.

Willis Watson is a Wannabe tells the story of a young boy who dreams of becoming a doctor after seeing the care his grandfather receives from an African American doctor. The book, written by Carmen Bogan and released through Denene Millner Books, is more than just a story—it is a powerful tool aimed at addressing the shortage of African American medical students and doctors. By planting the seed of possibility in the minds of children, the book encourages them to imagine themselves in roles they might not have previously considered.

Dana Dornsife’s passion for this project stems from her commitment to advancing equity in cancer care. As she explains, “Research shows we need to engage children at a very early age if we want to drive change, and it is our hope that this book will inspire young children of color to join the next generation of medical professionals.” This donation is a testament to her ongoing dedication to improving health outcomes and creating pathways to success for underrepresented communities.

For JEP, this contribution aligns perfectly with our goals. Our student workers, who lead many of our educational initiatives, see the impact that books like Willis Watson is a Wannabe can have. As Mia Moore, a JEP Young Scientists Program Teaching Assistant, shared, “The message—that anyone can be a superhero—really resonates with me. It aligns so well with what I strive to instill in my students: that anyone can be a scientist and make important discoveries that have a real impact.”

Similarly, Itzel Ibarra, a teaching assistant in JEP’s Medical STEM Program, sees the book as a motivating force for her students. “This book reinforces their motivation by promoting the belief that, much like Willis, they too can become whatever they aspire to be. It helps instill a mindset of boundless possibility,” she says.

Perhaps the most meaningful feedback comes directly from our young readers.

Jerry, a second-grade student in one of our programs, excitedly shared, “I really liked the book because I love doctors and one day I want to help others and save them!”

This donation of Willis Watson is a Wannabe is a gift not only of books but of inspiration, opening doors for the children in our community to dream big and pursue careers in medicine and beyond. We are grateful to Dana Dornsife for choosing to give back through JEP and for helping us continue to shape the future by empowering the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and changemakers.