Mi nombre es Olga Martinez. I was born in Zacatecas, Mexico and grew up in Dodge City, Kansas. I am the first member in my family to pursue a career. This year, I will experience three monumental events in my life. I will study abroad in Italy for a semester, I will receive a Bachelors’ degree in Biology from Kansas State University, and I will commence my professional studies towards my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at UMKC. This is product of my passion towards the sciences, my appreciation for the arts, and my fascination about the world around me. As a Latina, I believe my cultural upbringing has influenced me to value and to crave for the acquisition of knowledge, one of our most highest and precious possessions. I never imagined I was going to travel to Europe, but my thirst for knowledge and experience was my driving force. As Albert Einstein said, “The only source of knowledge is experience.” For this reason, I will take advantage of each and every instance of my time in Italy!