Pens Instead of Bricks: Carlos Martinez Osorio’s Path through PRP’s Health Academy

Recent Pleasure Ridge Park (PRP) high school graduate Carlos Martinez Osorio is about to begin his college journey tuition-free, with aspirations of becoming a surgeon–a remarkable achievement given his challenging childhood. When he was six, his family relocated to Vera Cruz, Mexico to care for his ailing grandmother, putting their American dreams on hold. This move disrupted Carlos' education and language development, leading to academic struggles upon his return to the United States in fifth grade. However, through his determination and the opportunities provided by the Health Academy at PRP, Carlos overcame these obstacles and is on a path to medical school.

Obstacles in the Land of Opportunity

Carlos finished elementary school in the United States when his family moved back to Kentucky after his grandmother’s health improved. “Studying was super hard,” Carlos recalls. He struggled with English and failed most of his middle school classes. He disliked middle school but found a reprieve in playing the trumpet, where he won All-County honors. However, his passion diminished, and the COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted his education.

Carlos’ perspective began to shift at the end of his freshman year at Western High School. Inspired by his parents, he realized the importance of education. “I saw how my parents lived; they were hard workers,” he reflects. This realization motivated him to improve his academic performance and set higher goals for himself.

A Turning Point at PRP

Sophomore year marked a significant turning point when Carlos transferred to the Health Academy at PRP High School, where he thrived in the supportive environment and became more involved in school. He became CPR certified, joined the HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Club, became an Academies Ambassador senior year, joined the soccer team, and saw significant improvements in his health, academics, and social life. Turning his GPA around, he eventually was earning straight A’s.

In the Health Academy, Carlos discovered his passion for healthcare, unknowingly rekindling a dream his mother had once held. "Mom gave up her dream for my brother and me," Carlos reflects, acknowledging the sacrifices his family had made. His mother had aspired to become an orthodontist but set aside her ambitions to care for her family. Now, Carlos' pursuit of a medical career not only fulfills his own aspirations but also honors his mother's unrealized dreams. This realization deepened Carlos' commitment to succeed, transforming his educational journey into a powerful tribute to his family's sacrifices.

One of Carlos' most memorable experiences was participating in the Baptist Mini Med School, where he toured a hospital and learned about medical equipment. "You don’t have to be a nurse or a doctor to work in healthcare," he notes, appreciating the diverse opportunities in the field. Carlos credits Mrs. Hawks, the Academy Coach, for her unwavering support. “She’s amazing. She is always willing to give a helping hand,” he says. 

She introduced him to a local dermatologist, with whom Carlos worked as an assistant this summer. He gained hands-on experience cleaning surgical sites and preparing tissues. “From the first cut, I found it interesting. I now know I want to be a surgeon,” he shares, realizing that he was captivated by the “controlled chaos” of the operating room.

Looking Ahead

Carlos’ achievements have not gone unnoticed. His senior year he received the Biliteracy Seal, an honor given to students who are proficient in two languages. He graduated with eight cords, three medals, and the seal. In addition, he received the Evolve502 scholarship, enabling him to attend Jefferson Community and Technical College before transferring to the University of Louisville. His ultimate goal is to attend medical school and become a surgeon.

“My parents are super proud of me,” he says, driven by the desire to provide for his family and honor their sacrifices. “My mom always told me that she would rather see me lift up a pen than a brick. My dad has worked in the hot sun, but he wants me to work in a cool office,” he shares. From overcoming language barriers and academic struggles to finding his passion in healthcare, Carlos’ hard work in the Academies is about to make his parents' dream a reality.