
Hobbies and interests
Animals
Movies And Film
Dance
Volunteering
Community Service And Volunteering
Anatomy
Cooking
Research
Art
Reading
Action
Adventure
Academic
Drama
Fantasy
Health
History
Mystery
Novels
Realistic Fiction
Biography
Young Adult
Psychology
I read books multiple times per week
Samantha Tamayo
2x
Finalist
Samantha Tamayo
2x
FinalistBio
As a student with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, I am driven by service, community, and improving access to healthcare. My academic and personal experiences have shaped a strong passion for science, education, and meaningful service, continually guiding my purpose toward advocating for those most in need. As a bilingual English–Spanish speaker, I hope to help bridge language barriers and better serve diverse and underserved populations through compassionate, patient-centered care.
I believe in a healthcare system grounded in compassion, accessibility, and human dignity, and I am committed to advancing that vision through clinical care and advocacy. I approach challenges with resilience and a focus on meaningful outcomes, which has guided my academic path and continued growth.
As a Doctor of Optometry student, I aspire not only to provide high-quality patient care, but also to help advance the future of optometry through leadership, education, and service. My ultimate goal is to become a mentor in the field and follow the example of leaders who advocate for public health, expand access to care, and organize impactful medical mission trips.
Education
University of the Incarnate Word
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)Majors:
- Optometry
GPA:
3.5
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
GPA:
3.5
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Optometry
Dream career goals:
Doctor
Research Assistant
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley2023 – 20252 years
Research
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley — Research Assistant2024 – 2025Chemistry
The Unversity of Texas Rio Grande Valley — Research Assistant2023 – 2024
Public services
Volunteering
Pre-Optometry Society — President/Historian2022 – 2023Volunteering
Worlwide As One — English-Spanish Translator2024 – 2024