
Reading
Drama
Historical
Romance
I read books multiple times per month
Mia Martinez
1x
Finalist
Mia Martinez
1x
FinalistBio
My name is Mia Martinez, and I am a senior at South El Monte High School. I balance AP, dual enrollment, and accelerated courses while also completing a Medical Assistant program. My passion is healthcare, especially pediatric nursing, because I want to provide compassionate care and make health services more accessible to children and families.
Leadership and service are a big part of who I am. I’ve taken on multiple roles in school clubs, organizing meetings, supporting peers, and encouraging inclusion. I believe in equity and creating judgment‑free spaces where people feel safe and supported.
My long‑term goal is to become a nurse who not only provides care but also advocates for systems that treat patients with dignity and fairness. Through resilience, empathy, and determination, I strive to be a leader who uplifts others and makes a positive impact in my community.
Education
South El Monte High School
High SchoolSouth El Monte High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Psychology, General
Career
Dream career field:
- Hospital & Health Care
Dream career goals:
Pediatric Nurse
Research
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
CTE Medical Assistant Program — Healthcare Student (CTE Program)2025 – Present
Arts
ASB Club
Performance ArtHalftime dance and performance shows (Freshman year themed show, Senior year Inside Out Homecoming production).2022 – 2025Women’s Empowerment Club
PhotographyEvent photography and social media campaigns (posts promoting meetings, fundraisers, and awareness events).2024 – Present
Public services
Volunteering
Class of 2026 Club — Active Member — helped coordinate class events, assisted with fundraising efforts, and contributed to planning activities that strengthened student involvement.2022 – PresentVolunteering
Associated Student Body (ASB) Club — Active Member — helped plan and coordinate school events, assisted with student activities, and contributed to creating an inclusive and engaging campus environment.2022 – PresentVolunteering
Athletic Trainer Aid Internship — Athletic Trainer Aid — observed and assisted with injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation while learning hands‑on skills in sports medicine.2024 – PresentVolunteering
HOSA - Furture Health Professionals — President — led meetings, coordinated activities, and supported members in exploring healthcare pathways.2024 – PresentVolunteering
Women’s Empowerment Club — Treasurer and Social Media Lead; previously served as Temporary Secretary for 5 months until a permanent officer was appointed.2024 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Big Picture Scholarship
The movie that has had the greatest impact on my life is Pocahontas. When I was younger, Pocahontas was my favorite Disney character. I loved her bravery, independence, and how she was connected to nature. Even though the movie isn't historically accurate, Pocahontas' real name was Matoaka, and she and John Smith were not in love, it still means a lot to me.
When I first watched Pocahontas as a kid, I was happy to see a character who looked like me. Most Disney princesses were white, except for Jasmine, who had light brown skin, and Tiana, who was darker than me. It felt good to see someone on the screen who looked similar to me, and it made me feel included.
The song "Colors of the Wind" really spoke to me. Its message about understanding and respecting nature and others gave me hope that people would stop judging others based on their appearance. The part of the song that says, "You think the only people who are people are the people who look and think like you, but if you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew, you never knew," was very powerful. It taught me the importance of empathy and seeing the world through different perspectives.
Even though I don't have the original Pocahontas doll I had as a child, I got a new one later on. Pocahontas was an amazing movie, despite its flaws, because it taught me valuable lessons about empathy, compassion, and understanding different cultures. The movie inspired me to be curious and open-minded about the world around me, and it continues to influence my values and beliefs today. Pocahontas taught me to appreciate the beauty of nature and the importance of understanding different cultures, which has shaped my outlook on life.
As I got older, I realized that the movie wasn't completely accurate, but that didn't change how much it meant to me. It made me more aware of the need for accurate representation and learning about different cultures and histories. Pocahontas has influenced my future goals and dreams. I want to pursue a career in nursing or mental health, where I can care for and support people in need. The lessons I learned from Pocahontas about empathy and understanding have shaped my desire to help others and make a positive impact in the world.
In conclusion, Pocahontas has had a lasting impact on my life. It taught me important values and inspired me to be a better person. The movie's message of empathy, compassion, and understanding continues to guide me in my journey, and I am grateful for the lessons it has taught me.