Martina Cuellar

Pediatric Doctor

I’m interested in pursuing graduate or professional studies in the health sciences, with a long-term goal of medical school. I’m particularly interested in Florida programs such as the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, while remaining open to other strong medical or graduate programs.

My interests include community service, volleyball, cultural immersion through travel, and event organizing. I've been actively involved in community service since the summer of 2023, focusing on developing the skills to help others, especially children. I look forward to tutoring every week, specifically in math, all the way to English fluency, and communicating with students worldwide. Seeing my students gradually improve over time as they apply the tips and strategies I have taught them is incredibly rewarding. What warms my heart is seeing my students' confidence grow over time as they complete an equation or properly pronounce a new word in an English phrase. It brings me joy and excitement to know that I am making an impact on students' lives and shaping myself as I learn to take on responsibility and provide the best tutoring possible.

As for sports, since I was little, I have participated in many, but I found my passion for volleyball and have been training competitively, finding it an escape from reality and a way to focus on myself. I look forward to being in my own head during volleyball so I can have a mental break. It brings me peace and tranquility, especially when I'm with people I care about. When I'm on the court with a strong bond with my teammates, the world around me quiets, and I focus on the game. My perfect rally isn't about winning; it's about playing my best and working with my team to grow. Being part of a volleyball team taught me that teamwork fosters collaboration and communication.

I look forward to traveling every year, which allows me to experience different communities and learn things I wouldn't in a classroom or in my local community. When I travel, I see each place as an opportunity to immerse myself in its culture and gain firsthand experience of what it is like. Before each trip, I research places to visit and the local culture, seeking to learn and show respect. My favorite trip was to Asia, where I explored diverse religions, architecture, food, and environments. What excites me most is learning about the area's history and deepening my understanding of the world.

Event planning is a path full of ideas that teach me lessons along the way. I enjoy reaching out to others and planning events that exceed people’s expectations. With Elderly Smiles, I find it amusing that organizing, gathering materials, and developing backup plans for activities in case the residents change their interests all come together to create a fun, interactive, and memorable event. This motivates me to improve and focus on self-improvement. Through the chaos of getting everything done when planning events, the satisfaction of completing and executing events is what makes it all worth it and encourages me to keep going.