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Omar A Gonzalez

Biography

Highlights of Young Scholar Experience: Omar Gonzalez hopes someday to be a doctor. That goal was reinforced during the summer of 2009 when the Foundation sent him to St. George’s University to take an introductory pre-medicine class. Everything clicked for Omar as he enjoyed the experience of learning what being a physician is all about from the instructors at the picturesque campus in Grenada. “This program opened my eyes on what medical school is going to be like.”

Profile: June 15, 1995. Remember that date. Omar Gonzalez does even though he was just learning what dates and times were all about. But he’ll never forget that day and here’s why: Omar’s formative years were a roller coaster of emotions. As a foster child he kept moving from one home to another. He can’t remember how many homes as he was just a little boy, but he never felt accepted. “I thought I would never find happiness,” Omar recalled. But then June 15, 1995 rolled around. On that day he was brought to the “perfect home” in the Bronx and met his new foster mother, Josefina Gonzalez, “the most caring person I’ve ever known.” Omar said that day was like his first birthday. “She took me in and treated me as her own son from day one. I finally felt I was part of a family. I had a nurturing mother and a protective brother.” The roller coaster came to a sudden, happy and peaceful stop.

Inspiration: In addition to his mother and his brother, who is a teacher, Omar looks up to an instructor from his boyhood days at KIPP Academy, Frank Corcoran. “He always wanted me to work to my full potential. He taught in his own unique way, and it has helped me during my time in high school. He helped me during the high school process too, and I will always appreciate all the help he has given me.”

Aspiration: To make a difference in the lives of others, either in science as a physician or in the classroom as a mathematics teacher.

Making a Difference: Omar loves being surrounded by books, and as a library assistant at his school, he’s in his element.

Accolades: Omar was the valedictorian of his middle school graduating class and has been a regular on the honor roll at his high school, Horace Mann School.

Interesting fact: While in middle school Omar was the keyboard player in the school orchestra. The ensemble participated in music competitions in California, Nevada, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, Tennessee and Oklahoma.
 

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