Florida medical students establish reading program with local elementary schools

As a first-generation American who navigated learning English while primarily speaking Spanish with her family, University of Florida medical student Dulce Morales understands the challenges that can come while learning to read.

“I needed the extra help,” said Morales, whose family is originally from Mexico. “Thankfully, my mom loved to learn and read, and so she had a lot of books for us. I think that played a big role in where I am today and pursuing higher education.”

Inspired to help the next generation of readers, UF medical students like Morales founded a program called Turning Pages that offers one-on-one reading sessions with Alachua County public school students. By helping the students with reading comprehension, Gators are not only improving local literacy but also gaining insights into the lives of communities they will serve as physicians.