Breaking Barriers: Mya’s Rise from Providence to Harvard
- adethlefs
- Oct 29
- 3 min read
When Mya first heard about Providence Cristo Rey High School, she wasn’t looking for a typical high school experience.
“My mom met the admissions team at an event,” Mya recalled. “When we visited, the Corporate Work Study Program immediately stood out. I knew it would open up more opportunities than what my friends would have
at other schools.”
That decision to take a chance on something different would set Mya on a path that changed her life.
The People Who Shaped Her
Throughout her time at Providence, Mya found mentors who saw her potential long before she did.
“Mr. Gonzalez was always there for me,” she said. “If I was unsure about something or going through personal stuff, I knew I could go to him for advice and support.”
She also credits Ms. Haag and Linda Goff, her mentor at OrthoIndy, for their guidance and encouragement. “Linda and I still keep in touch,” Mya said. “She’s been a huge part of my story.”
A Moment of Connection
When asked about her favorite memory from high school, Mya doesn’t hesitate.
“Junior retreat,” she said with a smile. “It was the first time my class really felt united and connected. There was such a sense of calmness and community. We grew together in a way that stuck with me.”
That spirit of connection became a recurring theme for Mya, one that continues to define her life.
Learning Through Work
The Corporate Work Study Program became one of Mya’s most transformative experiences. Paired with OrthoIndy during her junior and senior years, she found herself immersed in the medical field she had always dreamed about.
“I got to see both sides of healthcare,” she explained. “I watched doctors interact with patients in the clinic and observed procedures in the Operating Room. It showed me what really goes on behind the scenes.”
Those early experiences built a foundation that continues to shape her future. Even now, as a college sophomore, Mya stays connected with OrthoIndy, returning last summer for an internship and planning a research opportunity with them next year.
A Global Perspective
Mya’s drive to learn extends beyond borders. Last summer,
she traveled to Portugal, where she shadowed doctors in both neurology and cardiology.
“It was incredible to compare how hospitals operate in different countries,” she said. “I got to ask questions directly, observe procedures, and really understand what each specialty looks like day to day.”
The experience helped her narrow her focus. “I realized cardiology isn’t for me,” she laughed, “but I still love neurology. It helped me see the bigger picture… What I enjoy, and what I don’t.”
Life at Harvard
Today, Mya is a sophomore at Harvard University, where she’s continuing to explore her passion for medicine and service. “It still feels surreal sometimes,” she admitted. “You look around and think everyone here is a genius but when you talk to them, they’re just normal people. It’s amazing to be part of a community like this.”
“It still feels surreal sometimes,” she admitted. “You look around and think everyone here is a genius but when you talk to them, they’re just normal people. It’s amazing to be part of a community like this.”
Mya stays active on campus through several organizations: Harvard Undergraduate Allies for Angels, volunteering with children facing serious illnesses (where she serves on the communications board), Health Path Horizons, mentoring high school students interested in pre-med, Soul Food Christian Fellowship, where she continues to grow in her faith, and The Experimenters, a program that brings science to life for young kids.
“Tomorrow we’re teaching kindergartners about gravity,” she said, laughing. “It’s so much fun watching their curiosity.”
Looking Back
When reflecting on her time at Providence, Mya is clear about what made the biggest difference.
“The Corporate Work Study Program gave me a head start,” she said. “Those experiences and connections gave me an advantage that a lot of my peers don’t have. It’s something I’ll always be grateful for.”
“Those experiences and connections gave me an advantage that a lot of my peers don’t have. It’s something I’ll always be grateful for.”
Her advice for current students comes from a place of gratitude and perspective.
“To the cute little freshmen,” she said with a grin, “don’t rush it. Everything feels serious and scary, but it goes by so fast. Rely on the staff who make you feel comfortable. They’ll guide you through it. That’s what got me through: having not just friends, but mentors.”
