Student Spotlight: Itzel Maldonado, OMS I

Itzel Maldonado

First Year Osteopathic Medical Student at TUC

Please share briefly about your history and background

I am from Seaside, CA which is a small town in Monterey County. My parents are both from Mexico. I went to UC Davis for my undergraduate degree. Then I worked as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) during undergraduate school. Once the covid pandemic started, I transitioned to working in the Emergency Room as an Emergency Room Technician (ERT). I completed my master’s degree from TUC in medical health sciences. I am a first-year medical student at TUC.

Why are you proud to be Latinx/Hispanic?

I am proud to be Latina because it connects me to my parents’ rich culture. The Latino culture has a rich and diverse heritage rooted in resilience, creativity, and community. Community is a significant factor because it connects us across cultures, religions, and language. For me, being Latina is more than celebrating tradition. Community values are particularly important.

Why is it important to celebrate Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month?

It is important to celebrate Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month because it gives us an opportunity to recognize all the efforts of people who came before us. People who put their lives before others so we can have opportunities. Our Latino culture represents people from diverse backgrounds and different socioeconomic strata. We are acknowledging our history, our community, and showing our can-do spirit.

What brought you to TUC?

I completed my master’s degree at TUC. When I participated in the program, I knew this was an amazing community. TUC has a significant impact on those who are low income and for people who lack access to healthcare. I saw how TUC had resources and outreach to the community through the Dream Team, MOBEC, vaccine clinic, and street medicine. I came from an underserved community with people who did not have access to these things. When I graduated from my master’s program my number one school was TUC because of everything I saw. TUC puts into action everything they taught us.

What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is “Si puedes soñarlo, puedes hacerlo “which means “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

Is there anything else that you would like to share?

I am grateful to have these opportunities. I have met amazing students at TUC and amazing faculty that are incredibly supportive. They have built a great community. I am excited to have everyone learn more about our Latinx/Hispanic culture.