Lincoln High helps David plan healthy future in medical field

March 30, 2026

Lincoln High senior David is planning to use the field of medicine as a prescription for a prosperous and rewarding future.
 
David has become a role model for many Lincoln High students by balancing the challenges of work, school and life. He is currently supporting his younger sisters by working several jobs while pursuing his educational goals to build a strong civic-minded career. He would like to earn a medical degree and serve people in rural areas where he grew up as either a pediatrician or general practitioner.
 
David said he is grateful for the opportunity to study at Lincoln High. Dozens of staff members have supported him throughout his Lincoln Public Schools journey.
 
“I like this high school because if you don’t feel good, the teachers will ask you if you need something,” David said. “They can help you here. They’ve all told me, ‘If you need something, as a teacher and as a friend, we’re going to be here for you.’”

 
Lincoln High Principal Mark Larson said he has been impressed with David’s persistence and work ethic. He has been proactive about meeting academic responsibilities, has become fluent in two languages and has tracked down several scholarship opportunities.
 
“David is an amazing student and has overcome a lot of adversity to be successful and put himself in a position to graduate,” Larson said. “Along with learning English, David has had to take on many adult responsibilities, but he has persevered and has also made a positive impact at LHS.”
 
David was born in Atlanta, Ga., and moved with his family to Mexico at the age of four. He returned to the United States in August 2023 and began building multiple friendships at Lincoln High. He also assumed the role of family caretaker in Lincoln with his mother remaining back in Mexico.
 
Lincoln High teacher Sarai Schulz said David’s mature personality has meant the world to his two younger sisters. After he returned to Lincoln from a trip to Mexico this winter, he realized he would need to provide even more for his siblings. He began working three jobs each week to ensure there would be enough money for rent, food and other life necessities. He often worked until 1 a.m. before returning to Lincoln High’s campus in time for the 8 a.m. bell.
 
“David’s always been a great student and fun to have in class, but what’s been inspiring to watch is his life situation changing so dramatically and seeing him rise to the occasion,” Schulz said. “David represents a large population that we have here at LPS for whom school is not their job. They have actual jobs and financial obligations outside of the school day that they are responsible for. They’re trying to navigate very real-life problems alongside managing classes as well as thinking about their future.”

 
David said his primary goal is to use his education to improve others’ lives. He plans to take classes at Southeast Community College (SCC) for two years before transferring to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He then plans to apply for medical school to begin the process of becoming a doctor.
 
“I want to study medicine because I know if I can do that, I can help more people,” David said. “I know that a lot of people don’t have the resources to pay for a doctor, so my dream is to be a doctor and go to Mexico and help the people there.”
 
“When he says he has a goal of becoming a doctor, and especially going to Mexico to help, I think he has the brains and the wherewithal and the resilience to make that happen,” Schulz said. “When he says, ‘I will keep trying,’ I very much believe that’s true.”

 
One of David’s most important decisions was visiting Lincoln High’s school counseling center. Danielle Graham helped him fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and gave him an application for the Learn to Dream Scholarship at SCC. She also spoke in favor of David during a conversation with SCC leaders. Her efforts led to David receiving good news about his future earlier this winter.
 
“I want to do this for my mom, because I know my mom is proud of me right now,” David said. “I told her about this, and she was almost crying. I told her that they had accepted me for college and had given me the scholarships, and she was really proud of me.”
 
Schulz said David’s strong mindset will serve him well as he learns and leads at the next level of schooling.
 
“It’s been really cool as an adult to watch him navigate such a big life situation,” Schulz said. “I think it’s going to be very indicative of how he’s going to handle and navigate any difficulty, struggle, or issue in the future. He’ll handle it with grace and maturity.”

 
David said he is planning to use those resilient personality traits to write prescriptions of hope for many people.
 
“I know that medicine’s a hard career, but I know I can do it,” David said. “If I love it, I will do it again and again and never give up. This life is hard, but I know I can do it.”
 
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