
Gender
Male
Ethnicity
Hispanic/Latino
Hobbies and interests
Soccer
Music
Guitar
Biomedical Sciences
Medicine
Research
Engineering
Reading
Adult Fiction
I read books multiple times per week
Ernesto Villanueva
3,195
Bold Points
Ernesto Villanueva
3,195
Bold PointsBio
Hi! My name is Ernesto Villanueva, and I am a 17-year-old senior at Woburn Memorial HS in Woburn, MA. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve developed a strong passion for biomedical engineering/sciences, a field I plan to pursue starting in Fall 2025.
Beyond academics, I enjoy playing the guitar and drums, which allows me to express my creativity. I’ve also participated actively in junior and varsity soccer at my high school and played club soccer for the past four years. These experiences have taught me the value of teamwork, discipline, and leadership.
I am a first-generation Hispanic in the US. My parents were born in Latin America and went to college in the US. I speak fluent Spanish and know how to dance a little. I take great pride in my cultural heritage. My parents, both engineers who pursued their college education in the U.S., have inspired my interest in the intersection of engineering and medicine. I’m fluent in Spanish, and while improving my dance skills, I enjoy connecting with my roots through cultural traditions. I do not care if I look foolish; It allows me to enjoy our culture and time with my mom. It is a reminder that not everything needs to be perfect but meaningful, and the joy is often in the effort rather than the outcome.
My long-term career goal is to either attend medical school or contribute to advancing medical technology through innovative devices and procedures. Whichever path I choose, my ultimate mission is to make a meaningful impact by improving healthcare access and outcomes, especially within underserved communities.
Education
Woburn High School
High SchoolGPA:
3.6
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
Career
Dream career field:
Hospital & Health Care
Dream career goals:
Doctor
Pharmacy Technician
cvs pharmacy2024 – Present1 year
Sports
Track & Field
Varsity2023 – 2023
Soccer
Club2018 – 20246 years
Soccer
Varsity2023 – 2023
Soccer
Junior Varsity2021 – 20221 year
Public services
Volunteering
Local Facebook Group — I was a landscaper2021 – 2022
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Emerging Leaders in STEM Scholarship
From a young age, I have been fascinated by the intricate workings of the human body, particularly how science and technology can be combined to improve people’s quality of life by offering better health outcomes. This passion and my commitment to serving my community have driven me to pursue a degree in biomedical science/engineering or biotechnology. Working as a pharmacy technician, I have seen firsthand the disparities in healthcare access within the Latino community. Seeing patients struggle due to language barriers or lack of resources has solidified my purpose to bridge these gaps through medical research and patient care.
I aim to make a meaningful impact by advancing medical research and developing innovative solutions to improve healthcare for everyone. Whether contributing to groundbreaking research or working directly with underserved communities, I want to ensure that scientific progress benefits everyone, not just those who can afford it. Through my studies, I hope to combine my technical expertise with my cultural background and understanding to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. Accessibility for lower-income communities to pioneering medical devices and treatments is my goal, ensuring no one is left behind.
My journey to this point has not been without challenges. As a student, I have faced academic struggles, particularly in math, but my strength and determination have helped me overcome them. Despite this initial struggle, I challenged myself by enrolling in AP classes to strengthen my skills. In addition, I have faced difficulties while taking standardized tests and achieving the score that genuinely represents my potential, but this has not deterred me from achieving my academic goals and, instead, has pushed me to find ways how to overcome these struggles, which have taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of seeing help when needed to ensure my success.
Beyond academics, I have balanced my challenging workload with work as a pharmacy technician, which has taught me invaluable lessons in professionalism and responsibility at a young age. My experience helping patients navigate their prescriptions and advocating for those with limited English proficiency has been enriching. It has cemented my commitment to continue my biomedical sciences/engineering studies with the possibility of moving on to medical school. My parents, who immigrated from Honduras and Venezuela, have worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for me, and their support and example inspire me to persevere. They have shown me that hard work and dedication have their rewards and that it is our responsibility to give back to our family and my community.
In addition, my involvement in extracurricular activities has shaped my leadership skills and teamwork. As a soccer player for several years, I have learned the value of discipline, perseverance, and collaboration. The sport has taught me how to manage pressure, adapt to challenges, and motivate others, which is essential in the medical and research field. Furthermore, my participation in community service has reinforced my desire to help others.
Through dedication and resilience, I have learned to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. My purpose is to make a difference in the biomedical sciences field and contribute to making access to healthcare more equitable to all. This scholarship will help me reinforce my commitment to my academic and career goals with future contributions to science and medicine. With the support of this scholarship, I can continue working towards my goal without additional financial stress, allowing me to dedicate my efforts to my studies and aspirations fully.