Valeria Gomez

Volunteering is important to Valeria, a Human Biology major in Muir College. “I am currently a ‘Big’ in a UC San Diego student organization called Medical, Educational, Missions, and Outreach (MEMO). I also volunteered for Triton Day last year, and I began a research opportunity with Dr. Pei-an Betty Shih in her clinical trial with individuals struggling with anorexia nervosa. I try to take advantage of the opportunities at my disposal rather than letting them pass me by.”

Her goal is to become a physician; she’s known that from a very young age. As a first-generation college student Valeria hopes to gain more experience in the field of psychology, possibly clinical psychology. In fact, a few required psychology courses have piqued her curiosity to learn more about mental health. “I hope to fulfill my dream of receiving my MD. I have a passion for education, though there are boundaries I face as a Mexican-American, young woman. Despite feeling belittled at times by those who believed I was not intelligent enough, I have always had the willpower to do my best in anything I do. I will continue to follow my passions and achieve my goals despite criticisms I may face. I want to make my parents proud and show them their hard work to help me in school was not in vain. I realize the path to medicine is not easy, but I believe nothing is impossible. I know I can accomplish them with a good work ethic.”

Volunteerism taught Valeria that she doesn’t want to be just any physician: “I knew I wanted to be a doctor, but it was not until I began volunteering at an elementary school that I realized I wanted to specialize in pediatric care.”