Skills

Dedication

One thing I am proud of is my unwavering commitment and care for anything I focus my efforts on, especially with the causes I value deeply. This dedication extends itself in all aspects of my life, from my academic goals to my personal and professional pursuits. When I apply myself to something, I truly give it my all. I take pride in knowing that that effort is palpable to other people too, illustrated by the awards and position nominations I receive when I pursue them and displays of appreciation from the people around me. Even with the potential of public recognition, I hope that my effort is never perceived as anything else but genuine. I truly consider the personal, academic, and professional commitments I take on as direct reflections of my character and never take them lightly. To date, one of my proudest undertakings that I hold closest to my heart is my book “Quatro of the Stars” and its literacy program. Driven by my passion for volunteering with the Kevin Garcia Foundation, a non-profit for disadvantaged families, and my desire to spread the importance of love and kindness, I wrote and self-published a children's picture book in English & Spanish called “Quatro of the Stars" about a giant named Quatro who teaches a girl named Luna to help others. Since high school, I’ve met with different groups of kids to read the book, help them complete a fun worksheet, and give handmade charm necklaces as a reminder to spread kindness. All sales proceeds benefit the foundation. This project is very close to my heart and I plan to continue it for as long as I can.

Leadership

I take great pride in my skills as a leader because of the many experiences I’ve had to hone these crucial skills throughout my life. In several leadership positions, I've learned invaluable lessons about life and work from the diverse teams I’ve been able to work with, and the methods that do and don’t work as a result of trial and error. For instance, as the current president of UF’s largest pre-dental club, UF Pre-Dental ASDA, I ensure to maintain a balance of efficiency and productivity, and friendship and warmth in my leadership. I am so grateful that my approach has been received this way, shown by my consecutive election and promotion into the executive board two years in a row. When issues arise, such as disagreements about a course of action or miscommunication of information, I first evaluate my own role in the situation to see if I am the cause of it, so I can properly apologize and make things right. If not, I move on to having discussions with all the involved people to find a common ground, whether through compromise or a vote, to leave all parties feeling calm and resolved. I recently did this during a disagreement in an ASDA executive board meeting. One of my favorite things about leadership is the team you work with, and I do anything in my power to create a fun, productive environment for all and quell conflict efficiently when it arises.

Communication

Communication is an essential personal and professional skill to have. Though I refine my communication skills daily and will continue to do so as I evolve, I consider myself an effective communicator, thanks to my experiences with people in different settings and classes such as Intercultural Communication and Introduction to Communication. I strive to contemplate before I speak to ensure what I say is unambiguous and reflects the truth and my intentions, all while using emotional awareness and politeness in order to relay and create clear, effective messages. As a volunteer at several free dental clinics, including FreeD.O.M. Clinic and the Florida Baptist Mobile Dental Unit, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as a Spanish translator for many Latinx Spanish-speaking patients that do not have access to sustainable care. A majority of the dentists I’ve worked with at these services do not speak Spanish. As a result, in translation, I not only have to translate words, but also emotions, for both patient and provider in order to bridge gaps in understanding and create a trusting relationship. This involves reading and conveying nonverbal cues and behavior, asking clarifying questions to ensure I comprehend, and speaking slowly and clearly. I hope to continue this endeavor and learn more languages in order to expand my communication skills and outreach.

Empathy

Empathy is one of my greatest strengths. I have an innate ability to put myself in another's shoes and feel, allowing me to access a level of transparency in others that deeply connects us as human beings. Thoughtfulness and empathy are interconnected; true empathy cannot exist without thoughtfulness. Thoughtfulness is being able to look beyond physical states and consider patients’ lifestyles and disposition when providing treatment. As a volunteer at several non-profit dental clinics, I often make conversation with patients and make them feel comfortable before the doctor steps into the room. These conversations can range from lighthearted chats about their day, to heavier conversations about pain or discomfort from their condition. In either case, I aim to not merely listen, but go one step further to understand, feel for, and relate to their stories or feelings. With this approach, I help make patients feel valued and understood, in turn, more willing to share the personal and intimate thoughts that arise because of their condition. Through empathy, it is my goal to treat each patient as a unique individual with unique needs, not just another patient out of the thousands. Empathy is the hallmark of great healthcare and means not only to treat the physical components of their condition, but also try to recognize and understand the daily thoughts, behaviors, and feelings that may be influencing and/or influenced by their physical state.