Ricardo L. Baez – May 2011 Scholar of the Month
CHCI-Cruise Industry Scholar
Hometown: Bronx, NY
School: Monroe College
Degree: Master’s in Business Administration
1. What field of study do you intend to pursue if you receive the CHCI Scholarship?
Academically, I have completed an associate’s degree in biology, Bachelor of Arts in biology, and Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant. Currently, I am completing a master’s in business administration. My professional training has allowed me to gain experience in customer service, management, and medicine. This is just the beginning of a journey that will lead me to my goals and aspiration.
I have a couple of goals and aspirations that I would like to achieve. First, I want to finish a master’s in business administration. Second, I want to complete a doctoral program in Executive Leadership. These two accomplishments will allow me to work towards improving the under-served population of healthcare patients in the South Bronx. Increasing medical access, providing high quality of services and leadership is what I want to provide my community.
Ultimately, my greatest aspiration is to inspire a new generation of healthcare providers, managers, and leaders.
In 2002 I received the Clinical Excellence and Professionalism Award from the Sophie Davis Biomedical Physician Assistant Program. This award is in recognition of clinical proficiency and professionalism throughout the clinical year. My greatest honor does not come in the form of an orthodox accolade. This honor comes from my ability to take care of my mother. She has always supported my desire to learn about medicine and now I am able to assist her with all her medical needs.
Shortly after completing my degree in Physician Assistant, my mother’s health declined significantly. She has been a diabetic and hypertensive patient for years, but in 2002 she showed signs of kidney failure. In the first couple of years of her becoming ill, my medical training came in handy. I was able to help her adjust to the rigorous life of a dialysis patient. Together, we learned how to make a life change that wasn’t overwhelming or complicated. Nutrition, physical and mental health was vital to her success at living as a dialysis patient. She continues to thrive and I am proud to have been able to give her support for all the years of support she provided me. She is my inspiration, my hero, and my image of leadership.
Finally, as a young Puerto Rican man from the South Bronx, I want to be a role model to other Hispanic males from the South Bronx. All my achievements are motivated by the lack of Hispanic male role models in my life. But, I believe through my accomplishments, hard work, and dedication I will inspire other Hispanic males to greatness.
2. How Has the Scholarship Changed Your Life?
The CHCI Scholarship has enabled me to focus on my studies this year. I am currently applying to a doctoral program in Executive Leadership. My education has always been my personal inspiration. I hope to utilize my academic accomplishments to encourage other young Latino men to greatness.
As an award recipient, I have motivated other students at the King Graduate School, to continue their search for scholarships. As the economy recovers, students have asked me what I do to finance my education. I tell them to be diligent in their research of scholarships. I am proud to be the first CHCI Scholarship recipient at my school; it has allowed me to secure my chances of completing the MBA program.