Maite Flores – 2024 South Central Region Rising Star

Get to know Maite

How has your math identity impacted your journey in STEM?
The math I was taking in 6th grade really impacted me because I was able to understand it fairly quickly and I discovered that it came in handy when I was working on some STEM projects. I was able to apply what I learned in the classroom to activities outside of the classroom. Math is my favorite subject.

Who is the teacher or mentor who sparked your interest in STEM?
Miss Thomas, my fifth grade teacher, sparked my interest in STEM. We did really creative science projects in her class, including creating a car out of cardboard that helped protect a raw egg. It helped us think outside of the box and helped me, afterwards, consider the different STEM programs that were available. I ended up joining a program focused on STEM projects.

What are you thinking about doing after high school and what are some of the ways you are beginning to explore potential careers?
I am thinking of becoming an athletic trainer. Some of the ways I am able to explore athletic training and other potential healthcare careers is through HOSA. I also did a Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center course for physical therapy technicians over this year. It helped me in deciding what I want to do in the future. I’m also taking the dual credit classes my school offers that will help me prepare for the future.

Putting a spotlight on healthcare career pathways

As the President of her high school’s HOSA chapter, Maite knew it was important for younger students to learn about healthcare careers.

Nominated for her leadership

“Maite is an exceptional student. She loves to learn for enjoyment, not just for a grade. When she has learned a concept well, she will turn around and help other students. One example of her ingenuity was a project she made that demonstrated the nervous system using a 3D structure and moveable sodium and potassium ions. I will use her model to demonstrate action potentials next year.

For the last year, Maite has been very involved in the HOSA chapter at Granger High School, where she has served as the chapter president. She leads our weekly meetings and helps organize fundraisers and community service activities. During the previous years’ leadership conference, she discovered that middle schools were allowed to compete in HOSA events. So, one of the first things she added to our agenda was that we expand our chapter to include middle school members. She has told me that she wished HOSA was around for her, so she is making it a reality for them. Maite has received permission to visit classrooms and introduce 6th, 7th and 8th graders to HOSA. Thanks to her efforts we have a Granger Middle School HOSA chapter that is 20 + members strong.

This year, Maite has been attending Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center for physical therapy. She wants to become a doctor.”

—Korina Padilla, CTE Science Teacher at Granger High School
 

The Washington STEM Rising Star Awards encourage young women and trans and nonbinary youth to embrace STEM learning in ways that will support their education, career, and community.

Meet all of the 2024 Washington STEM Rising Stars!