Juggling the responsibilities of consistently studying for International Baccalaureate exams in hopes of receiving an IB diploma while dedicating time to college applications, senior Naomi Galex persists in the face of a demanding workload. Looking ahead, Galex has recently committed to the University of Florida, where she will begin her journey in medicine by majoring in UFs’ Pre-med track.
“I’ve never met anyone as driven as Naomi. The way she just wills herself into excelling is remarkable. She believes that she can do anything she puts her mind to, and I don’t see any point in doubting that. I knew she would get into whatever school she wanted,” senior Josh Gold said.
Galex’s decision to pursue medicine was influenced by her routine of watching Grey’s Anatomy alongside witnessing many deaths in her family from a young age. Although the idea of becoming a doctor seemed unimaginable since nobody in her family had studied the profession, Galex felt empowered to make a difference. Inspired to make her dream a reality, at age 13 she pledged to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Throughout her years at Coral Gables Senior High, Galex has significantly impacted the school’s community. Making it a point to become involved, she joined many clubs where she rose in the ranks on their boards, becoming the President of Model United Nations, President of Mock Trial, President of Speech and Debate, Vice President of Medical Leaders and Head of Communications in the IB Executive Council. Aside from the important roles that she played in these clubs, Galex played senior varsity at Gables for swimming, tennis and badminton.
“I had no doubt she would get into UF. She is an amazing student and will be successful at any school she attends. She has that rare combination of a high natural intelligence combined with a tenacious work ethic. This is what allows her to find success at all levels. I believe Medical programs are looking for students like Naomi. Her work ethic, passion, and dedication are all clear in what she has accomplished in High School. She is a well-rounded student that excels at everything. I have no doubt she will continue to be successful in the future,” Mr. Nelson said.
As college application season approached, Galex worked diligently to narrow down her college list where she ultimately decided to only apply to Florida schools. Mainly to ease her financial debt, Galex was eligible for the Bright Futures Scholarship, if she attended a school in Florida. On top of the Florida schools she had applied to, she also applied to Northeastern University as the test optional school with an acceptance rate of 7% appealed to her. Following months of anticipation, she soon received acceptance letters from all of them.
Faced with weighing her choices, Galex decided to pledge to UF, choosing to acquire an education from a school that offered her the most profitable prospects in terms of finances and had a well-recognized academic reputation that matched her aspirations.
“She’s one of the most resilient people I know. When she sets her mind to something, nothing gets in her way of achieving it. It’s so motivating for me, especially when I slack off, and she makes the people around her believe they can do it too,” senior Anais Jamali said.
Galex has developed a strong passion towards contributing to Alzheimer’s disease research, not just based on her feeling for making a lasting difference and helping others, but out of personal experience. After discovering that both of her grandmothers had been diagnosed with the disease and that she and her mother carry the gene for it, Galex is determined to keep following her current path and achieving her goals and aspirations.
“If I had to pick one moment that completely changed my perspective, it would probably be my grandpa’s death. This was the first death I experienced and was emotionally present in so when I saw my grandma crying, I was determined to try and keep people from ever feeling that way again. Now, I’m the primary care taker of my grandma because my parents are out of town all the time for work [since they are lawyers] and she is always asking me ‘Where’s Rolando?’ I have to remind her that he died seven years ago,” senior Galex said.
As her future continues to unravel, Galex remains determined to pursue anything that she sets her mind to. After graduating from UF, she aspires to attend Johns Hopkins University and pursue a career in cardiothoracic surgery, with an additional focus on contributing to Alzheimer’s disease research. Although the future of moving upstate to a different environment may seem intimidating, Galex feels at ease with a checklist in hand to guide her progress.
