| “Impossible is nothing,” says Cristina Valdovinos of King/Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science who is the National 2005 Hispanic Heritage Youth Award Recipient for Healthcare, sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline. As a first-generation Mexican-American that graduated with a 4.2 grade point average, Cristina is also a recipient of the Gates Millennium, the National Latina Alliance, and the Ronald McDonald Scholarships. She is on her way to Stanford University this fall and plans to major in human biology to one day become a physician in the field of emergency medicine. Every week since her junior year in high school, for four hours per week, Cristina has volunteered at the King/Drew Medical Center. Last summer, she was in a research apprentice program where she completed an award-winning project on the relationship between mental health and diabetes. She later presented her project at the National Institute of Health’s headquarters in front of a panel of renowned doctors and 61 peers from across the country. Most recently, Cristina was volunteering at her parish, St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church as an assistant to a Catechist instructor, and was a tutor at Lincoln Elementary School. Cristina says her mother is her most significant role model because she is righteous, hardworking, and compassionate. Regarding her Hispanic heritage, she adds that she admires the work ethic of Latinos, the family unity, and happy spirit – even in the face of insurmountable challenges. From her work in the medical center, Cristina wants to work in underrepresented neighborhoods to help provide more competent healthcare. |
