"We've expanded to a new site every year so we want to take a year to perfect the programs going on here and [increase] communication between the different sites in Boston, New York and Providence," she said.

Young, who will also work for the organization next year, attributes staffers' loyalty to Onie's enthusiasm.

"She really pushes people to really reflect on these issues, and I think that's why many people want to stay involved in Project HEALTH after they graduate," Young says.

Onie was no different. She planned to defer her HLS acceptance for a year after graduation, but continued deferring because of the program's rapid growth. Now, with the national expansions in place and solid leadership, Onie will step back.

"I don't think there's ever going to be a good moment to leave your organization," she says.

She will remain close, leaving her proctorship to become a pre-law tutor in Adams House and helping to develop a national board for Project HEALTH during the summer.

And she says she will use her law degree to continue the work she established with the program, either through direct advocacy, policy work or non-profit work.