The first in first experiences

Escrito por: Emely Gonzalez 🇸🇻

Headshot of Jeffrey Flores Huamantumba. (Isai Amaya-Diaz)

Going to the doctor can be challenging when medical terms are difficult to understand, but what if the language itself is also unfamiliar? Jeffrey Flores Huamantumba is no stranger to this experience, having lived it firsthand with his parents at a young age.

“The reason I want to be a doctor is because when I was younger, I got hit by a car, and when I went to the hospital, it was complicated because my parents really didn't speak English, and there was really no one that looked like me. So I kind of want to be that person. When people go to hospitals, they can talk to me,” he said.

Being the first in many aspects comes with immense pressure, something Flores Huamantumba understands well. As a first-generation college student, his journey paved the way for those who would follow in his footsteps.

“Since I’m the first one, they’re going to be looking at me to see what steps I took,” he said.

Attending a predominantly white high school and college, Flores Huamantumba was familiar with being part of a minority group in an academic setting. However, his experience at the University of Maryland was different.

From his freshman year all the way to present day as a graduating senior, Flores Huamantumba has witnessed an increasing sense of unity within the Latino community on campus, which has helped him navigate even more first-time experiences and complete his degree in psychology with a pre-medical track.

“I’m really excited about graduating. I feel like, since my freshman year, the Latinx community has grown. It’s nice to see some friendly faces throughout the different orgs. And it’s one thing I’m going to miss about Maryland the most,” he said.

He has learned the importance of not closing yourself in, but to instead, branch out. 

This self-discovered lesson led him to serve on the executive board for the Latinx Pre-Health Society, gain shadowing experience for direct patient interactions, and build connections with Hispanic medical professionals.

Coming from a Peruvian household where few people looked or sounded like home, Flores Huamantumba was able to shadow a Puerto Rican doctor who spoke to him exclusively in Spanish, which ultimately became a testament to his perseverance in the medical field in becoming the comforting face to families in distress about medical needs.

“Todo toma su tiempo y tú sigues adelante.” These words from his parents continue to motivate Flores Huamantumba as he forges ahead, breaking new barriers.

Family of Jeffrey Flores Huamantumba. (Courtesy of Jeffrey Flores Huamantumba)

“Tu puedes hijo, todo tus esfuerzos es para tu futuro, tú serás el ejemplo para tus hermanos y hermana.” - Ruben Flores y Gabriela Huamantumba