Senior spotlight: Mason Olivarez

Q and A with a class of 2022 student

Photo courtesy of Mason Olivarez

Mason Olivarez plans to pursue a career in medicine in his future.

Bethany Mann, Staff Writer

What schools did you get into and how did you feel when you got accepted?

I have been accepted to Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern University, Rice University, Washington University in St. Louis, The University of Texas at Austin, Case Western Reserve University, Fordham University, Trinity University, and Louisiana State University. Opening each acceptance letter was emotional, and I am so grateful for all of the acceptance letters I received. I finally feel as though all the work I have put into high school has paid off.

What is your top choice? Why?

My top choices are Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, and The University of Texas at Austin because of their outstanding pre-med programs, academic prestige, locations, and social scenes.

What do you plan on majoring in and how will this help your future career?

I plan to major in biological sciences with a focus on pre-medicine. This will allow me to develop skills necessary for medical school and a career as a physician.

Why do you want to pursue this career?

I want to pursue medicine because I have the dedication and self-motivation to succeed in the many years of schooling it takes to become a physician, and I ultimately desire to be able to apply my knowledge towards improving the health and/or well-being of others.

How does it feel knowing you have accomplished something many people dream of?

It is a surreal feeling to be admitted to schools that many people dream of getting into. It is a very humbling experience that I am extremely grateful for, and I encourage others with similar ambitions to push themselves past their own expectations because I never thought that I would be able to get accepted into some of the top schools in the country.

How do you feel about leaving high school?

It is a bittersweet feeling to leave high school because I have developed life-long friendships with peers, relationships with teachers, and I have matured and grown as an individual at Smithson Valley. However, I am excited to experience college life, meet new people, and move to a new location to pursue my ultimate career goals.

What are you most excited for after graduation?

After graduation, I am most excited about spending time with friends for the last time before we all go our separate ways. I also want to enjoy time with my family before I move to college.