For senior Valentina Raygoza, a passion for medicine has been developing since childhood. This fall, she will take the next step toward achieving her dreams when she attends in New York City, where she plans to major in Biochemistry and pursue a future career in dermatology or dermatopathology.
Valentina said her fascination with medicine grew stronger during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she spent time learning more about science, the human body, and skincare.
“My interest in medicine has always been prominent since early childhood,” Valentina said. “I loved watching shows and movies related to medicine, but my passion was strengthened during COVID. I became fascinated with the human body and especially the skin.”
Although she knows the journey to becoming a doctor will require years of dedication and hard work, Valentina is excited to pursue a career she is passionate about.
“I understand it is a lengthy process, but time is linear, so I figured why not spend it on a passion of mine,” she shared.
Valentina said she is especially excited about attending Barnard College because of the opportunities available both on campus and throughout New York City. She also looks forward to being part of a supportive and empowering environment at a women’s college.
“As someone who comes from a female-dominated family, attending a women’s college is great because the community is uplifting and inspirational,” she said.
Throughout her educational journey, Valentina credits her family and friends as her biggest supporters. She especially admires her mother, an education specialist within the district, whose commitment to education inspired her own academic drive.
“She maintained a high GPA, earned her degrees, and still made time to take care of our family,” Valentina said. “Her dedication and commitment to education is something I adopted as well.”
Valentina also shared that the teachers she encountered throughout her school years helped shape her love for learning by creating positive and encouraging classroom environments.
“Every teacher I had was always passionate about educating, and I believe their passion made me passionate about my education as well,” she explained.
During high school, Valentina stayed actively involved on campus through organizations including NHS, CSF, Peer Ambassadors for Mental Health, Class Club, and Gardening Club. She also participated in the Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS), a three-year college access program that introduced her to valuable academic and leadership opportunities outside of school.
Through the program, she conducted research alongside college professors and participated in a summer residential experience on a college campus.
Outside of academics, Valentina enjoys baking, skincare and self-care activities, and attending concerts with family and friends.
Described by loved ones as honest and goal-oriented, Valentina hopes her story inspires younger students to take chances and believe in their potential.
“My goals and success would not have happened if I was scared to apply myself,” she said. “When you limit your opportunities before others, you limit your future.”
As she prepares to graduate and begin her next chapter at Barnard College, Valentina hopes students remember one important lesson she learned during high school:
“Figure out what you do not want and go from there.”