Trust in Yuridia

Immokalee Foundation student Yuridia Calihua-Panzo is Valedictorian of Immokalee High School's Class of 2023. This fall, she will pursue a Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience degree at the University of Florida. Her goal is to become a pediatric neurologist. 

A talented young woman, Yuridia exudes quiet strength and diligence. She is a natural leader and achiever, finding time to excel in academics and service. 

"Yuridia is on it—academics, scholarships, leadership. Students look up to her," observed Dalinda Gamez, Postsecondary Bridge Coordinator at The Immokalee Foundation. "More importantly, she is at her best when she follows her heart."

Yuridia, the oldest of three siblings, is enrolled in The Immokalee Foundation's Healthcare Pathway, part of the Foundation's innovative Career Pathways curriculum. When Yuridia identified the opportunity to participate in the SSTRIDE program at Florida State University (FSU), The Immokalee Foundation covered the costs—just one of many benefits of the Healthcare Pathway curriculum. 

SSTRIDE (Science Students Together Reaching Instructional Diversity and Excellence) is an outreach effort of the FSU College of Medicine. Its mission is to identify students who have a genuine interest in pursuing a career in science, engineering, mathematics, health, or medicine and to give those students the support services to develop the sense of responsibility, focus and motivation necessary for success in their chosen fields—goals that align perfectly with The Immokalee Foundation's focus on education, career readiness and professional development. 

Individuals can sometimes choose their careers after experiencing a dramatic event in their life. Yuridia experienced an accidental fall in seventh grade and was taken to the doctor for a head injury. Understandably frightened, the situation worsened because the physician lacked a compassionate bedside manner. 

A neurologist at the Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami boosted her confidence and faith. Yuridia recalls the doctor was a good listener and inspired a great deal of trust. His questions lead to a clear explanation of her injury. He shared the diagnosis and treatment in a direct and compassionate way. As a result, the doctor made a lifelong impact as he set the stage for her interest in becoming a neurologist.

The Immokalee Foundation has also provided Yuridia the opportunity to tutor elementary school children throughout high school. She loves working with kids to help improve their literacy skills—an experience that has impacted her interest in pediatrics. Regardless of age, trust builds better relationships and outcomes.  

Through the Foundation's Healthcare Pathway, Yuridia secured an Internship at Physicians Regional Healthcare System during the summer of 2022. During the four-week program, she shadowed professionals in the ER, ICU, Pharmacy, Surgery, and Human Resources departments. Her favorite experience was observing a neurosurgeon perform a four-hour spinal fusion surgery.

Significant extracurricular activities include four years in the National BETA Club, where she was Club President since junior year and Florida State Senior Vice President. She also helped plan the state-wide convention for up to 4,000 students. Both are elected positions.

This busy lady is also a member of the National Honor Society and Secretary of the Senior Executive Board.

Like so many Immokalee Foundation students, Yuridia is the first member of her family to attend college. She is grateful to her hardworking parents for their many sacrifices and credits them for teaching her strong values while encouraging her to pursue her dreams. 

Yuridia also admires Greta Thunberg, the Swedish environmental activist, for her service, perseverance, and how Thunberg has created such dramatic change as a young person.

Yuridia's professional dreams combine science and service. As a pediatric neurologist, she hopes to research neurological disorders like Cerebral Palsy. She envisions giving back to her Immokalee community by creating an organization that will give healthcare access to those that live under the poverty line. Moreover, she sees opportunities to advocate for pediatric neurological care in developing countries with high demand and limited resources.

Yuridia has an incredible journey ahead of her, pursuing what she loves. 

Above all, we trust in her—her compassion, drive and future success.