A future in focus

A senior in high school, Stephanie Rico has already been accepted to medical school at Baylor University. It's an achievement few of her peers can match, but thanks to a partnership between the University of Texas-Pan American and Baylor, Rico is well on her way to becoming a doctor.

"It's always been a dream of mine," Rico said. "I used to watch medical-related shows when I was little. If I can make a career out of something I find interesting, then great."

Rico's ambition was strengthened when she scored an internship with Su Clinica Familiar, a health clinic in Brownsville. She got to watch doctors in action.

"I was able to see the profession not only from the perspective of the doctors," she said, "but from the perspective of patients and nurses. I was lucky to be introduced to the type of career I want."

When she wasn't taking blood pressure and testing for diabetes, Rico was on her way to earning a black stripe in karate, participating in spelling bees and health-related competitions.

It was a tough balance, she says, but she pulled it off.

"It's hard, but it's worth it in the end," she said. "It's all about staying focused."

She gives much of the credit to the faculty members at Los Fresnos High School.

"If you care and you're dedicated, teachers are there for you."

Rico is secretary of her school's Health Occupations Students of America, secretary of the Constitution Club and a UIL spelling and vocabulary state qualifier. In total, she accumulated 300 hours of community service. She also finished an impressive third out of her class of 444.

According to Rico, life is about to get even busier. In college, she hopes to pursue research opportunities and a semester abroad in Spain.

"I learned to prioritize, and that's something that will probably help me in college where I'll be even more involved," she said.

ksieff@brownsvilleherald.com