Since graduating from Esperanza Academy in 2018, my journey has taken me through college, healthcare, research, marriage, motherhood, and continued growth toward a career in medicine. I began my college education at the Community College of Philadelphia before transferring to Temple University, where I am now completing my bachelor’s degree in Biology on the pre-medical track. Throughout my journey, I have gained experience in several areas of healthcare and science, including research, emergency medicine, phlebotomy, and working as a Certified Nursing Assistant on an inpatient oncology unit at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. I am also a wife and mother to a toddler, and balancing family life with school and my professional goals has strengthened my resilience, discipline, and perseverance. My path has not always been linear, but every stage has brought me closer to my goal of becoming a physician. I am now preparing to graduate from Temple University and continue my education through a biomedical sciences master’s program before applying to medical school.

I am currently a senior Biology major at Temple University and expect to graduate in May 2027. After graduation, I plan to complete a one-year biomedical sciences master’s program that is closely affiliated with a medical school. I hope to use that experience to strengthen my academic foundation, prepare for the MCAT, and continue building a strong application for medical school. My long-term goal is to become a physician, and I currently have strong interests in both internal medicine and surgery. I plan to apply to medical school with the goal of beginning in 2028.

EACS played a major role in shaping the direction of my life. When I was younger, I thought I wanted to pursue criminal justice. That changed when my biology teacher, Mr. Sweeney, noticed my performance in biology and encouraged me to apply to a research program connected with the University of Pennsylvania because he believed my strengths were better suited for science. I decided to take the chance and apply, and that experience introduced me to research and medicine in a way I had never experienced before. It sparked my interest in healthcare and helped me realize that I could see myself pursuing a career in medicine. That experience also taught me how important it is to have educators who recognize potential in their students, sometimes before students recognize it in themselves. EACS did more than prepare me academically; it helped me discover a path I may not have otherwise considered. Years later, I am a Biology major at Temple University preparing for graduate school and medical school, and I can trace a major part of that journey back to the opportunities and encouragement I received at Esperanza Academy.

My biggest advice would be to never compare your timeline to someone else’s. Your journey may not happen exactly the way you planned, and that does not mean you are behind or that you have failed. Take advantage of opportunities, ask questions, seek out mentors, and do not be afraid to put yourself in rooms where you may feel like you do not belong yet. Keep showing up and keep working toward your goals, even when progress feels slow. Most importantly, be proud of where you come from. Your community, culture, and experiences are strengths. You can come from a place like Esperanza and go on to become a scientist, physician, researcher, educator, or anything else you decide to pursue.

As a proud Esperanza Academy alumna, graduating from Temple University feels especially meaningful to me. When I look at my graduation photos now, I see more than just a college degree. I see years of persistence, sacrifice, growth, and proof that the goals I had as a high school student were possible. Coming from a predominantly Hispanic school community makes reaching these milestones even more meaningful to me because representation matters. I am proud to carry Esperanza with me as I continue toward graduate school and medical school, and I hope my story encourages current students to believe that their goals are within reach too.