As a first-generation student from a Spanish-speaking home, Lessly Aremy Tapia Torres overcame multiple educational and personal barriers. These challenges included experiencing facial paralysis at the age of 13, language barriers, immigration status complications and mental health issues.

Lessly is a senior at Cal State LA pursuing a degree in exercise science with an emphasis in exercise and bioscience. She will complete an undergraduate thesis as an Honors College student.

Lessly volunteers at Loma Linda University Health. She is also a member of the Pre-Health Dreamers chapter at Cal State LA and has participated in the University of California, Riverside, School of Medicine Future Physician Leaders program. Additionally, she works as a tutor at Cal State LA’s Center for Academic Success.

After completing her bachelor’s degree, Lessly will pursue a medical degree and continue mentoring students to help them reach their ​educational and professional goals.