As a Puerto Rican aspiring to become a doctor, I am acutely aware that I represent a small percentage of professionals in the medical field. That underrepresentation fuels my ambition. This journey is not only about personal success, but also about visibility, mentorship, and creating meaningful change. I want young people from all Latin communities to see someone who represents them, standing confidently in a white coat, and believe that they, too, belong in medicine. I hope to be a bridge between patients and a healthcare system that too often feels distant or inaccessible. My goal is to advocate for the kind of equity and representation that can transform public health outcomes and rebuild trust in the communities that need care the most. My passion for medicine began early in life. I watched my sister fight cancer as a child, an experience that showed me both the pain of illness and the incredible power of compassionate medical care. That early exposure shaped my understanding of what it means to support others during their most vulnerable moments. It was also the beginning of a lifelong interest in science and the human body. From watching The Magic School Bus to molding red and white blood cells out of Play-Doh, I’ve always been drawn to the biological systems that keep us alive, and what happens when those systems break down. In the short term, my goal is to complete my undergraduate education with a strong foundation in the sciences. I plan to participate in research, pursue clinical shadowing opportunities, and gain hands-on experience that will prepare me for the challenges of medical school. Long term, I hope to become a physician who works at the intersection of affordability and cultural competency in healthcare, especially for underrepresented and underserved populations. I’m particularly interested in pediatrics, oncology, and cardiology—fields that allow for deep, long-term relationships with patients and their families. I want to practice medicine in a way that recognizes each patient’s story, background, and barriers to care. Financially, the road to becoming a doctor is overwhelming. The cost of tuition, textbooks, exam fees, and unpaid summer internships adds up quickly. While many of my peers are able to work summer jobs, I often spend those months gaining clinical experience or doing research, experiences that are invaluable but unpaid. This scholarship would help ease that financial pressure and allow me to focus more fully on my education. It would not only support my academic journey; it would be an investment in a future physician who is committed to giving back to the communities that have shaped him and touched his soul.

When I was 9 years old, I watched my younger sister fight cancer. While most kids my age were watching cartoons without a care in the world, I was becoming familiar with IV poles, hospital monitors, and the quiet strength of my parents and the determined faces of the doctors and nurses. It was confusing and frightening at the time, but it planted a seen in me. A deep desire to understand the human body and to be someone who helps others in their most vulnerable moments. From as early as I can remember, my parents nurtured my curiosity for science and learning. They encouraged me to ask questions, build things, and explore the world around me. I would spend hours watching The Magic School Bus, fascinated by their journey through the bloodstream, the immune system, or the digestive tract. I even made red and white blood cells out of Play-Doh, trying to visualize how our bodies fight disease. This early experience didn't just inspire me, they are the little seed that grew into my sense of purpose and passion. My path towards medicine has not always been smooth. I've had my fair share of injuries, several broken bones and emergency room visits. More recently, I broke my wrist the first week into summer. This was a setback. I had to delay starting the research aspect of my internship for a month while I regained mobility in my hand. Despite frustration, I'm incredibly grateful to the orthopedist who treated me. Their guidance and support made it possible for me to heal properly and still take part in the internship. That experience has deepened my appreciation for the medical profession and reaffirmed my desire to be on the other side of the process, helping patients navigate their challenging circumstances with empathy and expertise. Finacial challenges have also made this path more difficult. My family while more fortunate than others, work hard, but there have been instances where money was tighter than anticipated. Especially during my sister's treatment. These experiences have shown me firsthand how financial stress can affect a person's access to healthcare. That's why one of my greatest goals as a future doctor is to advocate for affordable, and accessible healthcare for all communities. I believe everyone deserves high-quality care, regardless of their income, background, and their health insurance. I want to be part of the change that makes that possible. The obstacles I've faced have not discouraged me, they've motivated me. They've taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of equity in medicine. These values will be central to my future practice. becoming a medical doctor isn't just a career goal for me, it's a calling rooted in personal experience, fueled by passion and driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.