“Walk that walk and go forward all the time. Don’t just talk that talk, walk it and go forward. Also, the walk didn’t have to be long strides; baby steps counted too. Go forward.”

― Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happiness

A quiet 12-year-old middle schooler who nervously attended his first HOSA meeting, Matthew found more than just an organization―he found a place where a kid with big dreams and shaky confidence could find his purpose. Over the past six years, HOSA has helped him grow into a servant leader who not only speaks, but listens. More than anything, HOSA became his second family—a community that celebrated his wins, picked him up after losses, and reminded him that he never had to walk the journey alone.

Now beyond honored to serve as HOSA’s Western Region Vice President, Matthew is committed to giving back to the organization that give him so much―by uplifting members, advocating for connection across communities, and showing every student that their voice matters.

As an incoming freshman at the University of California, Berkeley, Matthew plans to pursue a major in Public Health on the pre-med track. While he’s still exploring where his path will ultimately lead, one thing is clear—he’s deeply passionate about advancing healthcare equity and expanding access to care for underserved communities. At the same time, Matthew’s lifelong love for sports has shaped his understanding of discipline and teamwork from the numerous years of basketball, volleyball, tennis, etc. In the future, he hopes to combine his passions of healthcare and athletics by pursuing a career that integrates sports medicine and healthcare. His goal is to empower others to live healthier lives through both medical care and preventative, community-based solutions that meet people where they are―on and off the court.

When not in his HOSA blues, you’ll find Matthew soaking up the outdoors and spending quality time with the people who matter most to him. Whether it’s hiking, playing a sport, or sitting around a campfire with friends and family, Matthew feels most grounded when he’s outside, surrounded by nature and good company.