Ibis, Class of 2011

I currently attend St. Thomas University as a Biology major with a specialization in research. I'm currently part of the math and science program and I was fortunate enough to be part of St. Thomas Spinal Cord Research with zebra fish. Above keeping up with academics here at St. Thomas I spend most of my time analyzing the swimming behavior of zebra fish before and after a spinal cord injury has been introduced with or without morpholino. Half the time I'm not 100% sure what will be my next step after I finish my Bachelors (very soon), because of all the opportunities out there.

Starting college I had a narrow mindset of what I wanted to do with my life but as I got here it broadened. One thing, I am grateful for my experience at Hialeah Gardens High School. I wanted to be a doctor and HGHS gave me the opportunity to expose myself to the health and science field which allowed me to choose my major as I entered college. I didn't immediately get into St.Thomas University, right after high school. I went to the Honors College at Miami Dade North Campus, and it was my efforts, my interactions, the help of my teachers, the academics of HGHS that allowed me to take the next stepping stone to the HC at Miami Dade, because HGHS was structured and I felt supported. I am where I am today, going to scientific conferences twice a year, participating in annual symposiums, all with a full ride for my first four years in college because of Hialeah Garden High School. I want to thank my high school teachers and the experience I had here because it created the gladiator in me...allowing me to stand for what I believe as I strive for excellence.