For Doral College alumna Maria Goyanes, graduating from the University of Florida in 2025 marked an exciting milestone in a journey that continues to evolve. After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Neuroscience, Maria is now spending her time gaining hands-on clinical experience as an ophthalmic technician while preparing for her next goal: medical school.

Her interest in medicine has been shaped by the people closest to her. Growing up alongside her twin sister, who has autism, gave Maria a personal perspective on the impact physicians can have on patients and their families.

"I have been able to witness firsthand her struggles and successes that have been facilitated by doctors in many fields," Maria shares.

Her path was also shaped by seeing someone with a similar background succeed in medicine. In high school, Maria began following Dr. Daisy Sanchez, a first-generation Latina physician who was beginning her general surgery residency and has since become a plastic surgeon. Seeing Dr. Sanchez build the career Maria dreamed of showed her that a future in medicine was not only possible, but within reach.

Together, these experiences helped shape the kind of physician Maria hopes to become: someone who listens carefully, takes concerns seriously, and recognizes the individual behind every patient.

At the University of Florida, Maria’s studies in psychology and neuroscience deepened her understanding of the connection between the brain, behavior, and the human experience. Balancing a demanding undergraduate course load with MCAT preparation also strengthened her discipline and time management. By staying organized with tools like Google Calendar, Maria learned to manage competing priorities while still making time for herself along the way.

Outside the classroom, Maria turned her passion for helping others into meaningful service. Through an internship with Days for Girls in Gainesville, she helped create reusable menstrual products for communities with limited access to menstrual health resources. Her commitment extended to other local initiatives, including sewing quilts for individuals experiencing homelessness, reinforcing the importance of serving others with compassion and dignity.

Long before UF, Doral College marked the beginning of Maria’s college journey. Through dual enrollment, she was able to challenge herself with college-level coursework while still in high school, gaining an early understanding of the independence, responsibility, and initiative that higher education requires. The experience not only allowed her to get ahead academically, but also helped shape the confidence and discipline she would later carry with her to UF and toward medicine.

"It provides a great foundation and helps you get further in your classes," Maria says.

That lesson continues to shape the advice she gives students pursuing medicine or another competitive field. Rather than fearing setbacks, Maria encourages students to view them as part of the process.

"Do not be scared of failure," she says. "If you are struggling in a class, do not be scared to ask your professors for help. College may seem intimidating, but I promise Doral College’s mission is to help you learn and succeed.”

As Maria looks toward medical school, she is particularly drawn to pediatrics. She hopes to build lasting relationships with her patients and their families, providing care that extends beyond a single appointment and throughout the different stages of their lives.

From beginning her college journey at Doral College to graduating from UF and now gaining hands-on clinical experience, each step has brought Maria closer to her goal of becoming a physician. What began with the opportunity to challenge herself through dual enrollment has grown into a journey shaped by academic achievement, service, mentorship, and a growing understanding of the kind of impact she wants to make in medicine.

The foundation she built at Doral College, the experiences that shaped her at UF, and the perspective she is now gaining through direct patient care have each played a role in preparing her for what comes next. As Maria looks toward medical school, she carries with her a clear vision of the physician she hopes to become: one who listens, builds lasting relationships with patients and their families, and approaches every person with compassion and care.

For Maria, the next chapter is more than the pursuit of a medical degree. It is the continuation of a journey that began years ago at Doral College and continues to bring her closer to a career centered on serving others and making a meaningful difference in their lives.