From teaching children in the Pembroke Pines Charter Academic Village Middle School (AVM) to treating them as a pediatrician, alumna Nicole Batista has carried her passion for youth in both of her careers. Although her heart was set on the medical field, Batista took some time off, which rewarded her with an unforgettable teaching experience. That detour ultimately strengthened her path to medicine, showing that every step of her journey contributed to her biggest dream.
Batista’s love for the medical field began at a very young age when she found interest in both science and math. Additionally, “In high school, I had some really great teachers and mentors that kind of supported [her] journey of wanting to do pre-med,” she mentions.
Even without taking any medically oriented courses, Batista’s teachers “really set the sky as a limit [for her].”
Outside of her classes, Batista actively participated in her community and the student body. Her most fond moments at Charter were built in the Student Council (STUCO), where she led as the president. After graduating in 2014, Batista attended Florida State University (FSU) for her undergraduate degree, majoring in family policy with a minor in chemistry.
Nearing the end of her undergraduate studies, Batista decided to take some time off from anything health-related. Soon after, she became an interim substitute at AVM and then was hired full-time.
For two years, she taught seventh-grade science, gaining hands-on experience working with younger children. Reflecting back, Batista confirms that “[she] really loved [teaching].”
In 2021, Batista made the final commitment to go back and study at medical school at FSU. However, while she was still finishing up her teaching, she had to retake her medical entry exam, the MCAT. She recalled, “I was [constantly] studying [so I could] reapply.”
After pushing through rigorous classes and long nights, Batista officially graduated and received her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from FSU.
Looking back on her accomplishments, Batista emphasizes how grateful she is for her family and overall support system: “I’ve had different mentors that [have] guided me through whatever phase I was in. That probably started in middle school [and has lasted her throughout medical school]. [She loved how] each phase came with different people along the way.”
Even at Charter, Batista felt a connection with many of her teachers, one being her STUCO advisor, Ms. Diaz, who often assisted her with college applications.
As of now, Batista is an intern and pediatric resident at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Saint Petersburg, Florida. A typical schedule for Batista is working “six days a week for eight weeks at a time usually.” Her shifts typically range from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., during which she sees and cares for patients who are admitted to the hospital.
Even though her journey is only just beginning, Batista believes that no matter the field someone chooses, “as long as you’re passionate about it, that is what makes those long days a little bit more bearable.”
She also wants to remind others to trust their heart and path even if it isn’t perfect: “I ultimately got to where I wanted to go, even if it [wasn’t] what I expected it to look like.”
