What are your fellow medical students up to?

"One of the reasons that the Latino community is so underrepresented in higher education is due to lack of role models; individuals who have overcome financial and educational adversities and are willing to share their story to motivate and inspire the youth. I beleieve that those of us who have reached our educational goals have a responsibility to encourage the youth and be an example to them. By sharing my story with these young Latino adults, I expect them to realize that higher education is possible and attainable; all it requires is perseverance and dedication. I have gone to several schools around the Tucson and Yuma area and everytime I go, I always feel like I am planting a seed that only the students themselves can nurture and watch grow. It's all about letting them know that they are not alone and that it is okay to ask for and accept help, because I know I did. As I look at these students' expressions I see the realization that they now believe that they too can succeed. Meeting someone who lived a life that you are now living and see them become successful provides one with the vision that they too will one day attain their goals and reach their dreams. I have been given one of the greatest gifts, hope; and it is now my turn to be unselfish and share this gift with as many people as possible." - Jose Anaya

"Our visit down to Nogales High School was very rewarding. Being able to discuss with students some of the obstacles, as well as some of the exciting moments that I experienced upto my standing in medical school, was somewhat of an event. We had the opportunity to talk to students about the ups and downs of being an immigrant and making it to college and to subsequent professional school. The talk was interactive and many students showed interest in a future in healthcare. Jose gave an excellent talk to the students and was able to gave a unique perspective from his Mexican background, and I gave another similar story coming from Puerto Rico. Overall, it was a great feeling to see that there were many students intersted in pursuing a career in healthcare, and furthermore, expand the pool of future applicants to medical school in the near future." ---Luis Rodriguez

If you would like to get involved please contact Jose Anaya at janaya@email.arizona.edu

Check out statistics on The University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Hispanic and Under Represented Minority students compared to the Association of American Medical Colleges.