From classroom role-plays to real-world impact, Little Medical School team alumni like Cleide Velasquez embody what it means to turn curiosity into purpose. What began as afternoons filled with stethoscopes, scrubs, and imagination in our Little Doctor School® and Little Veterinarian School® programs has grown into a lifelong passion for helping others. As a former volunteer instructor in South Miami, Cleide inspired countless young learners to see themselves in medicine. Now, her own journey reflects that same spirit of compassion, leadership, and discovery that she once sparked in her students!
Getting Started
Q: How did you first hear about Little Medical School® of the Treasure Coast, and what inspired you to get involved as an instructor or volunteer?
A: When I wanted to get more involved in my community, I visited my school’s portal to look for opportunities where I could dedicate my time to helping others. I came across an open volunteer position and decided to take the leap and apply. What stood out to me most about Little Medical School® was its mission to introduce children of all ages to the medical field, from veterinary science to dentistry. Thinking back to my own childhood, I realized I never had access to programs like this, nor was I aware of any that aimed to build medical awareness at such a young age. The idea that I could contribute to something so impactful and far-reaching motivated me to begin the process of becoming an instructor.
Q: As a pre-med or pre-health student in South Florida, what drew you to this opportunity compared to other volunteer or internship programs?
A: What drew me to this opportunity was the chance to work in a more personal and engaging environment, where I could build meaningful connections with students. I also appreciated the flexibility of the program, which allowed me to participate as an instructor while balancing my responsibilities as a pre-health student.
Q: What was your role with Little Medical School®, and which programs or schools did you work with (e.g., Little Veterinarian School®, Little Pediatrician School®)?
A: In my role as an volunteer instructor, I worked with children of all ages, teaching them topics ranging from anatomy to basic first aid. I was placed at Henry S. West Laboratory School, where I focused on introducing students to concepts related to being a physician.
The Experience
Q: What was your favorite part about teaching in the program?
A: My favorite part of teaching was being able to share my knowledge in a way that was tangible and easy for the kids to understand. It challenged me to take what I knew, such as topics in anatomy, and break it down so it matched both the lesson and the age group I was working with. One mindset that helped me create a positive learning environment was consistently asking myself how I would have wanted to be taught if I were in their shoes.
Q: How would you describe the students’ reactions to learning healthcare skills like CPR, patient care, or using real medical tools?
A: From the beginning, the students were excited to learn more about medicine. Each week, they looked forward to the new theme and topic, often connecting what they learned to the previous lessons. They were curious and engaged, asking and answering questions. What they enjoyed most was putting their knowledge into action through hands-on activities.
Q: Can you share a memorable story or moment that shows the kind of impact these programs have on kids?
A: Programs like Little Medical School® help broaden children’s perspectives in many areas of life. One memorable moment happened when I was teaching a lesson on athlete’s foot. The students had heard of it before but did not know the name or understand how easily it could spread. As I explained the topic, I could see their eyes light up as they made the connection. Afterward, they began sharing their own stories and talked about how they would be more careful when using locker rooms or public bathrooms. Moments like these matter because awareness can take many forms, but the lesson students take with them is what makes the greatest impact.
Q: What do you think makes Little Medical School® programs different from other after-school or STEM experiences?
A: What makes Little Medical School® different from other after-school programs is the intentionality behind each lesson. Every lesson is specific, hands-on, and designed to be age-appropriate while also building on previous topics, which helps students make meaningful connections. The lessons are created with just the right level of challenge to spark curiosity and encourage critical thinking.
Q: How did the program help you strengthen your communication, leadership, or teaching skills?
A: Little Medical School® gave me the opportunity to learn how to communicate medical knowledge effectively. It is one thing to know all the terms and concepts, but putting them into action and especially explaining them to kids helped me strengthen my communication skills. I was responsible for several weeks’ worth of materials and lesson planning while also being a full-time student and working other jobs. Little Medical School® helped me improve my organization skills. In terms of teaching, I discovered an interest I did not know I had before.
This opportunity allowed me to realize that I enjoy teaching, something I might never have found otherwise.
Melanie created a welcoming environment during the recruitment and onboarding process, so I never felt overwhelmed but always supported. I believe that teaching, communication, and leadership grow from having a strong foundation within yourself. When you are confident and prepared, that strength shows in the environment where you teach. Teaching is more than just about me and the students. It is about teamwork, authenticity, vulnerability, and dedication to future generations.
Impact & Community
Q: From your perspective, why do programs like Little Medical School® matter for elementary students in South Florida?
A: Programs like Little Medical School® matter because they raise awareness not only about the medical field but also about the many career possibilities within it. Most of the time, people picture a doctor in a white coat, but doctors represent a wide range of specialties such as veterinary medicine, optometry, dentistry, and many other options. Seeing firsthand the impact these programs have had on raising awareness has inspired me to continue teaching and sharing my knowledge with others, especially by dedicating time to educate the upcoming generation.
Q: How does this experience connect to the broader goal of inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals?
A: This experience connects to the broader goal of inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals because it introduces young students to the world of healthcare early on. It sparks their curiosity and shows them that even if they do not want to become doctors, there are many other career paths within healthcare. As they grow older, this early exposure might stay with them and guide them toward healthcare careers they may not have otherwise considered. This includes not only clinical role but also careers in healthcare management and other settings beyond the hospital or traditional healthcare environments.
Q: What did you notice about how students grow in confidence or curiosity over the 6-week program?
A: Over the course of the six-week program, I noticed that the students became more comfortable asking questions. At first, they were hesitant, but my main focus was to break down topics, use repetition, and include hands-on activities so they could feel confident by the end of each class. This approach allowed each lesson to build on the previous one, helping us work together as a class to learn more. As the students asked more questions, they began to connect the material to their own experiences. This created an even better learning environment because their questions challenged me and encouraged deeper understanding.
Q: What do you think makes our local schools and communities (in Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, or Miami-Dade) so special when it comes to supporting hands-on learning?
A: First, each community is committed to spreading the mission of inspiring future healthcare professionals. They demonstrate this commitment by allowing teachers to use their classrooms and by making instructors feel welcome. Furthermore, the schools that partner with Little Medical School® share this same mission of creating an environment where everyone feels supported. As a result, this supportive atmosphere is reflected in the lessons taught at school and in the way students excitedly talk about the topics they have learned each week when they go home.
Career Path & Personal Growth
Q: How has working with Little Medical School® influenced your career goals or perspective on healthcare?
A: Working with Little Medical School® has shown me the vital role that teaching plays in healthcare. As an aspiring dentist, I realize that it is not enough to simply communicate a patient’s needs. It is equally important to engage with patients and explain complex terminology in a way they can easily understand. Since my experience with Little Medical School®, I have chosen to further develop this skill by teaching abroad before beginning dental school. Although board and dental exams are essential, what is often missing from traditional education is the power of meaningful conversation and creating an environment where patients feel truly seen and heard. This process begins with the words we use and the knowledge we share with those around us.
Q: What skills or insights have you gained that you think will help you in medical school or your future healthcare career?
A: One of the most valuable skills I have gained is the ability to simplify complex medical topics and terminology, making them easier to understand. This is a skill that continues to evolve, and my experience with Little Medical School® truly opened my eyes to its importance. It also inspired me to place teaching at the center of my personal mission, recognizing that sharing knowledge is just as crucial as learning it in healthcare.
Q: What’s next for you? Are you applying to medical school, pursuing another health program, or exploring other opportunities in education or community health?
A: I am currently teaching abroad in Spain and plan to attend dental school. Along the way, I want to keep teaching because I believe true change begins within, and that belief guides both my career and personal journey.
Advice for Future Volunteers
Q: What advice would you give to other pre-med, pre-nursing, or pre-health students in South Florida who are looking for meaningful, hands-on experiences?
A: I would definitely recommend participating in programs like Little Medical School®. It offers the chance to immerse yourself in a low-risk, high-reward teaching environment where you will learn a lot about yourself as well as develop important skills such as classroom management. If I had known about this program earlier, I would have loved to be a part of it from the very beginning of my college journey
Q: How can volunteering or teaching at Little Medical School® help students stand out in medical school applications or interviews?
A: Volunteering or teaching at Little Medical School® helps pre-health students stand out by showing a genuine commitment to serving the community. It also highlights that you are actively applying the knowledge you have gained in the classroom to real-world situations. Beyond this, the experience provides strong examples of leadership, communication, and teamwork, which are valuable topics to discuss during interviews. These skills and experiences can strengthen multiple parts of your medical school application and help you present yourself as a well-rounded candidate.
Q: What’s one thing you wish you knew before starting this experience?
A: I wish I had known the impact this program would have. If I had, I would have started as early as possible. There is nothing better in the world than being able to serve those around you, and that can begin with Little Medical School®.
Q: How would you describe this program to a friend who’s thinking about joining the team?
A: Little Medical School® is a hands-on program where you get to inspire the next generationof healthcare superheroes. You teach medical concepts to kids in your community, strengthen your own knowledge, and make a lasting, positive impact.
Reflections
Q: If you could summarize your time with Little Medical School® in one sentence, what would
it be?
A: An opportunity that allowed me to apply my medical knowledge and revealed how sharing my education can expand the impact I make as a future dentist.
Q: What legacy or impact do you hope to leave with the students you’ve taught?
A: I hope I helped spark or deepen their love for learning. They might not remember me, but I believe they will always remember the experience. It makes me happy to think I played a small part in planting a seed that could grow into something amazing!
Cleide, thank you for your time, dedication, and heart that you poured into our programs! We truly we couldn’t do what we do without our team of volunteers and instructors who are on the ground helping facilitate these programs to our partner schools. We’ll be cheering you on from afar. Best of luck on your journey to making the world a better place, our doors are always open for you!
Inspired by Cleide’s story? Volunteer with Little Medical School of the Treasure Coast today!