Five Things to Know About Michelle Oviedo ’12
Wealth of college experiences help premed student prepare for ‘real world’
April 26th, 2012 Rachel Salemme ’12
Michelle Oviedo ’12 knew the academics at Holy Cross were going to be challenging, but believed that she would succeed with hard work and the strong support network available at the College. Not only was she right, but encouraging faculty members also helped her pursue her passion. Oviedo’s academic, cocurricular, and service-based experiences at Holy Cross have reinforced her goal to become “a doctor of the globe” and help provide people in need with medical care.
Here are five interesting facts about Oviedo.
- Oviedo lives in Lawrence, Mass., where she was born and raised, but has spent most of her summers living in the Dominican Republic. She cites her stays in the Caribbean nation, where she witnessed the need for improved access to health care, as the impetus behind her choice to pursue a career in biomedicine.
- The premed psychology major has been involved in 10 diverse cocurricular activities during her college experience — all while being in the rigorous College Honors Program. She has been a member of Student Programs for Urban Development where she tutored students at the Belmont AME Zion Church in Worcester; a student worker at several offices at the College; an ambassador for the Study Abroad Program; a member of the novice crew team; a senior interviewer in the Office of Admissions; a member of the American Medical Student Association; and participated in the Spring Break Immersion Program three times.
- Saint Andrews was Oviedo’s home during her junior year abroad. Her study abroad experience in Scotland helped her become more independent and gave her the opportunity to grow personally, a process that she says began almost immediately after arriving to Holy Cross.
- Oviedo has met her commencement speaker. She and Paul Farmer, founding director of Partners In Health, met last month at Harvard University’s Biomedical Science Career Program, which is designed to provide students of every race, ethnicity, gender, and financial status with the support and guidance needed to enter the field of biomedical science. Oviedo was also accepted and attended the conference in 2010. Daniel Bitran, professor of psychology and science coordinator, encouraged her to attend both times. “I think that shows a lot about the faculty here at Holy Cross that he would continue to have me in mind though I just had him for one class,” Oviedo says.
- After graduation, Oviedo intends to work as a research assistant in a hospital or for the government to gain experience in the biomedical industry. She will then apply to medical school and continue her path toward helping members of the global community lead healthier and happier lives.
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Michelle, I am so proud of you. Keep up the good work and your goals. Reach for the stars.
Wow Michelle!!! Can’t begin to tell you how very proud I am of you. It’s been a long road but there’s no question that all of your hard work and dedication is truly paying off. Keep following your dreams. You are an inspiration! Love you lots…. Your Big Sis!