Alyssa Ontiveros has known that she wanted to be a pediatric physician for a long time. She works hard every day to make this dream a reality. Pursuing her degree at KSU is just one of the steps she is taking on her journey to success.
The Spark is Lit
Ontiveros’s younger brother, Andrew inspired her to pursue this career at a very young age. At only eight years old, she went to the hospital with Andrew who has Dravet Syndrome when his seizure medication was causing problems.
After getting his blood drawn, a nurse asked that Ontiveros hold the gauze to help her brother stay calm. The nurse thanked her for her help, saying that one day, they were going to hire her to work there. That moment was when her dreams of one day becoming a pediatric physician were sparked.
“The care Andrew received while within the walls of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta was always top-notch and unsurpassed,” says Ontiveros. “Being in the hospital is never a situation any family wants to be faced with. But knowing that you are in the hands of such compassionate people who love what they do is definitely encouraging. Once I was able to witness this experience firsthand I knew I wanted to provide the same care for my patients that the doctors, nurses, and techs always provided for my little brother.”
Taking Steps to Become a Pediatric Physician
Ontiveros started working for Central EMS when she graduated high school. She kept that job until the end of her first year at Kennesaw State. Shortly after, she started working as an emergency department technician for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, fulfilling her dream of working for the company. Ontiveros usually works eight to twelve hour night shifts at the hospital. That is on top of her second job as a top-rated babysitter for SitterTree as well as her classes throughout the day.
Outside of her two jobs and school, she also volunteers at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church’s Shine sports program. Shine is a program that allows kids with disabilities to participate in a variety of sports. They do this with modifications to make it more accessible and comfortable to them.
“Volunteering in Shine sports is an experience I am so grateful I came across,” says Ontiveros. “I love watching children with special needs set aside their limitations and just play like the kids they are. They are reminded of how sick they are on a daily basis with the amount of things they can not do like average kids. Shine sports gives them an opportunity set that all aside and have fun.”
It may seem like Ontiveros couldn’t possibly fit anything else into her schedule but she still finds time for her other hobbies when she can. Earlier this year, she took up indoor rock climbing with her friends. She says it’s challenging, helps with problem solving, and is generally just a fun way to get in a workout.
A Friendship Beyond Words
Ontiveros’s friends and family describe her as generous, hard-working, and always able to put a smile on someone’s face.
“Alyssa is someone you’d be lucky to have in your corner,” says Jordan Watkins, a friend of Ontiveros. “She is kind, compassionate, funny, generous and loyal. She will be with you when you’re at your highest point in life or your lowest without wavering. Alyssa is someone I strive to be like on a daily basis and I don’t think that will ever change. I really couldn’t imagine a more perfect best friend.”
Ontiveros is on track to graduate in 2021 as a biochemistry major and Spanish minor. She also plans to earn her Bachelor’s of Science degree. Her accomplishments here at KSU include being on the president’s list and dean’s list multiple times, and receiving the Hope Scholarship. She intends to finish her undergrad at KSU, then go to medical school to receive her doctorate. When she finishes medical school, she hopes to return to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as a pediatric emergency room physician.
If you would like to follow in the footsteps of Ontiveros’ success, check out our article on 5 Steps to Becoming a Healthier Student.
Photos thanks to Alyssa Ontiveros.