Meet Olivia Vaca (she/her), a senior at MSTMA at Roosevelt. We connected to discuss her musical experiences and goals for the future. Read more below.

Olivia is a prime example of determination, resilience, and ambition. With a flawless attendance record, she is unwavering in her commitment to academic excellence, having completed 14 advanced placement (AP) courses throughout her high school career.

Olivia is not only academically driven but also tech-savvy, participating in her school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway, which includes courses in computer science and app development. She acknowledges the importance of technology in her future medical career: “I figured it was good for me to familiarize myself with it as best I can.”

The passion for medicine that Olivia displays stems from a deeply personal experience. She was born with omphalocele, a condition that required three surgeries before her first birthday, and frequent visits to specialists throughout her childhood. This journey ignited her dream to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. The absence of Latina doctors in her early experiences further fueled Olivia’s aspirations. “I’ve always wanted to be that role model for other little girls who don’t see themselves represented,” she shared, motivated by the fact that Latinas make up less than two percent of the medical field. “I never really saw or had a Latina doctor and that really broke my heart.”

This summer, Olivia took a significant step toward her goal by shadowing doctors at White Memorial Hospital through the Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program, an opportunity she learned about through school. “Seeing how doctors put their heart into their work showed me the kind of health care I want to provide,” she said, inspired to one day give back to her community with the same dedication. (Pictured above, Olivia is in the doctor’s coat she earned and kept after her summer opportunity.)

Beyond academics, Olivia has enriched her high school years through music. As a dedicated member of her school’s band since her freshman year, she has played the mellophone, performing at all East LA Classic football games and sharing the stage with the Black Eyed Peas on two occasions. Starting her musical journey with the clarinet in fourth grade, she transitioned to the mellophone in her sophomore year of high school and learned to play the French horn her junior year, embracing new challenges and opportunities.

Currently applying to several universities, including UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, and Harvard University, Olivia envisions a college experience that balances academic rigor with community and cultural engagement. UCLA stands out as her top choice for its strong medical program and vibrant campus life, where she hopes to continue performing in the band.

To her peers, Olivia offers advice that comes from the wisdom of someone who has faced and conquered challenges: “Life is going to throw a lot of obstacles at you … but you have to make the most out of situations. Even when life gets tough, just keep going because the future is up to you to make it what you want.”

With her passion, perseverance, and desire to uplift others, Olivia is set to make her mark not only in the medical field but in the lives of those who will one day look up to her.