Name: Alvaro Cortez
Age: 20
Hometown: Chatsworth
High school: Murray County High School
Major: Biology with a minor in chemistry
Expected graduation date: Spring 2020
Why did you choose Dalton State? I first started at Dalton State as a dual-enrollment student during my senior year in high school, and I realized that this school was the best option for me. I wanted an affordable, quality education in a small classroom environment and attend a college close to home.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? Being a part of Roadrunner Nation means being surrounded by people who bring out the best in you and invest in your future.
What do you plan to do after graduation? After graduation, I plan to go to medical school and become a physician.
What activities are you involved in on campus? I am a S.A.V.E Leader (Students Advocating for Volunteer Efforts), the secretary of Beta Chi Nu, a member of SACNAS, and I have helped with the Office of International Education to promote study abroad. Also, I recently got recommended to serve on the Student Retention Committee.
What are some of your biggest achievements or accomplishments at Dalton State? Honestly, I am just so proud of how much I have grown as a student and a leader! I have been on the Dean’s List since my first semester, I hold a 3.97 GPA, I studied abroad in China last summer, and I am active on campus and in my community. I am so thankful for the opportunities and experiences that I have because it motivates me to push myself to be the best version that I can be.
What are some of your favorite activities in and around Dalton? I love spending time volunteering with Hamilton Hospice and the DEO Clinic by interacting with patients, translating, and learning more about the medical field.
What is your best memory so far as part of the Roadrunner Nation? I was recently crowned the 2019 Homecoming Prince! The experience was amazing, and I am so honored to represent the best that this school has to offer. I hope to be nominated again next year for Homecoming King.
What is the last book you read? “The Heartbeat of Success: A Med Student’s Guide to Med School Admissions” by Alexa M. Mieses.
Favorite comfort food? French fries and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
What is your guilty pleasure? For those who know me, I am a huge fan of K-pop. If you see me wearing headphones while studying, I’ll probably be listening to that.
What do you feel most proud of? Honoring my parents’ sacrifices to live in the United States by studying hard and dreaming big.
If you won the lottery, what would you do? Pay for medical school and travel the world!
What cheers you up? Having a Pokémon movie marathon with my brothers.
Who is your hero? My hero is my mom. I have seen her go through the loss of her parents without having the chance to say goodbye and caring for my little sister until her final days. She has shown me that love is unconditional because she would choose to live with the hardships and sacrifices of being an immigrant all over again if that meant I could be happy and have a promising life.
What is your favorite childhood memory? Going to Disney World for the first time.
What is your favorite app? Instagram! Follow me @alvarohcortez
What did you want to be when you were a kid? I wanted to be an English teacher.
As a Roadrunner, what does it mean to Run Boldly? To Run Boldly means to take pride in your accomplishments and never be afraid to dream too big. Take a leap of faith, follow your passions, and never let your fears define what you are capable of. Remember your beginnings and look at how far you’ve come. Others have helped pave the path for your success, so strive for excellence and make your dreams into reality!