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Mattias Gonzales

1,715

Bold Points

2x

Nominee

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

In my youth, I dreamed of being an astronaut, exploring space's enigmatic black holes, mesmerizing pulsars, and intricate quantum mechanics. However, life reshapes our aspirations. Still in awe of space, I shifted to more "grounded" goals. I developed a passion for biology, desiring to ensure others' well-being, leading me to aspire to be a cardiologist. Two factors shaped this choice. My father's lifelong heart issues, including a congenital atrial septal defect, left a mark. I aim to provide solace to patients and their families facing such challenges. My fascination with the heart, an unceasing, life-sustaining muscle, drove me towards cardiology. Its relentless beat symbolizes life's rhythm, a phenomenon I'm eager to explore. Volunteering with Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, LVIM, strengthened my determination to pursue cardiology.

Education

Polk State College

Associate's degree program
2020 - 2022
  • Majors:
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other

Polk State College Collegiate High School

High School
2020 - 2022

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Hospital & Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

      Doctor

    • Deli Clerk

      Publix
      2023 – Present1 year
    • Crewmember

      McDonalds
      2022 – 20231 year
    • Trash collector and grass cutter

      Family owned
      2020 – 20211 year

    Sports

    Soccer

    Junior Varsity
    2010 – 20122 years

    Awards

    • 1st Place in County Tournament

    Research

    • Chemistry

      Haines City Highschool — Researcher, planner, organizer, and spokesperson
      2019 – 2020

    Arts

    • Haines City Highschool

      Drawing
      N/A
      2018 – 2020

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine — Curbside Check-in/ Prescription retriever
      2022 – Present

    Future Interests

    Philanthropy

    Minecraft Forever Fan Scholarship
    In the expansive world of Minecraft, where imagination knows no bounds, there's a facet of the game that ignites my technical and survivalist side's passion like nothing else: Hardcore mode and the exhilaration of building resource farms. For me, Hardcore mode transcends being just a gaming feature; it's a thrilling examination of skill, strategy, and resilience. It represents the ultimate challenge in Minecraft, where a single misstep can lead to a perilous outcome and the loss of your world. I resonate with it on a profound level because it encapsulates the essence of real adventure and the pursuit of excellence. The adrenaline rush that accompanies each encounter with a creeper or the audacious exploration of caverns keeps me utterly engrossed. It's a continuous driving force, propelling me to constantly improve, to become more resourceful, and to endure against all odds. But what truly sets my Minecraft heart on fire is building resource farms. These farms aren't just structures; they're masterpieces of engineering and efficiency. Whether it's working with annoying villagers to make immense iron farms, setting up a sprawling gold farm in the Nether, or creating explosive gunpowder factories, each project is a testament to my dedication and ingenuity. Resource farming is more than just a game mechanic; it's a way of life in Minecraft. It's about optimizing every aspect, from mob spawning rates to item collection systems. The sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing these farms flourish, producing precious resources like iron, gold, or gunpowder, is incredibly rewarding. It's a tangible representation of my commitment to mastering the game and achieving self-imposed goals. In conclusion, Hardcore mode and resource farming in Minecraft aren't mere pastimes; they're my passion and a fundamental part of my gaming existence. They embody the very spirit of the game, urging me to stretch my limits and granting me a unique sense of accomplishment. Minecraft isn't just a game in my eyes; it's a boundless journey, and these elements transform it into an enduring adventure that never fails to ignite my inspiration, day after day.
    “The Office” Obsessed! Fan Scholarship
    Selecting one character from "The Office" to identify with is no easy feat given the plethora of unique and hilarious personalities on the show. But if I had to pick one, Jim Halpert would be my guy. Jim's quick wit and his knack for finding humor in the everyday chaos of the workplace make him someone I can easily connect with. Whether it's his iconic pranks on Dwight, those knowing glances at the camera, or his laid-back demeanor in the face of office absurdity, Jim's approach to navigating the challenges of work aligns closely with my own. In the midst of the daily grind, a dose of Jim's charm can work wonders in maintaining one's sanity. "The Office" has had a profound impact on my sense of humor and my perspective on workplace dynamics. The show's enduring lesson is that humor can be a potent tool for coping with office life's ups and downs, from dealing with office politics to navigating those cringe-worthy moments. It underscores the importance of finding joy in the little things, embracing the quirks of coworkers, and not taking ourselves too seriously in the professional realm. Additionally, "The Office" masterfully portrays an array of workplace characters and dynamics, making it a hilarious treasure trove that also cleverly mirrors the quirks of office life. It emphasizes how humor and strong connections among colleagues can create a vibrant and pleasant work atmosphere. Essentially, "The Office" has shown me that even in the most ordinary of places, there are opportunities for laughter and meaningful life lessons. It skillfully blends humor with genuine emotion, and I'm truly appreciative of the laughter and wisdom it's brought into my life, both during my college journey and as I move forward. This scholarship would provide me with the means to continue my education and pursue my passion for understanding the intricacies of workplace dynamics, fueled in part by the valuable insights I've gained from this iconic show.
    Gay's Den Scholar Award
    Winner
    Religion, Love, and Change Like many Hispanic families, religion is a very important part of our lives, growing up, my family was no different. We would pray every night and my mother would occasionally take us to church when she had the time. As puberty hit, I began to feel a certain way about a specific gender. Knowing what I have been taught and believing the words that have been spoken to me, I felt as if I was committing a sin. I felt like an outcast to myself. I tried to dismiss these feelings by trying to fall in love to a very lovely girl, but in the end, I only hurt the both of us. The most excruciating part about this was the dread I felt knowing if I did not accept myself, I would be forced to live the rest of my life as an empty shell of what I could become. I needed to accept who I was, but how could I if I knew I would burn for eternity just for loving someone that made me happy. Was this some test of faith? Why can I not choose to like a different gender? Will I live the rest of my life with this anxiety? Why me? These questions and so many more were plaguing my mind and clouding my thoughts. I became distant with my family and friends, anxious about my love’s future, and terrified of my fate beyond death. I was losing sight of my thoughts, my life, and most importantly my emotions. Years passed until some day, I began to like this boy. My feelings towards him were so intense, I decided to take back my life from the cold, gripping hands of anxiety. New and more open-minded thoughts started to take the place of the old narrow-minded beliefs that were carved into me since I was a child. Still, I could not shake the guilt I felt just for being myself, but these newer beliefs energized my brand-new way of thinking. I was born like this, if God made me, why would he make me knowing I would turn out in such a way, I was told God makes no mistakes. That singular thought is what changed my life forever. I decided for the first time in my life to stop being a slave to my thoughts and finally free myself of the shackles that kept me down and to use my wings to fly as far as I could knowing I was meant to be me. This new freedom felt so exhilarating, and not too long later I would tell my closest friends and select family members of who I really was. I am so grateful to have overcome this obstacle and to have so many supporting friends and family members. Without them loving me for who I was, I would have never loved myself. I thank them for giving me the power to be who I was meant to be... me.