Douglas Alvarado Co-Captain 2018-2019 “Anyone Can Be Successful”.
Douglas Alvarado BPS XC Co-Captain 2018-2019
East Boston, a neighborhood steeped in rich culture and history, welcomes countless travelers through Boston's main airport, Logan. Amidst the Summer Tunnel and the Blue Line lies the city's largest Latino community, boasting over 21,000 residents with deep Latino heritage. Douglas Alvarado and his peers represent the future of Salvadorian Americans, Central and South Americans who migrate to this land of dreams, all seeking to create a better quality of life. As Dougie aptly puts it, "Anyone can be successful," and I am deeply honored by his leadership and vision.
At just 22 years old, Douglas Alvarado has an extraordinary story to share. A lifelong East Boston native, he initially attended the John D. Obryant School of Mathematics and Science before transferring to Charlestown High School during his sophomore year. Now, he stands on the verge of completing his third degree at Boston University.
My journey in athletics began during my freshman year of high school. To this day, I'm not entirely sure what prompted me to join the track team, but I did, and I fell in love with the sport. I aspired to achieve greater heights in it, and this led me to be scouted by Coach H, changing my life forever.
My high school track and cross country seasons were a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Yet, if I had to choose one moment that encapsulates my high school running career, it would undoubtedly be my triple gold victory at the city league championships during my senior year, earning me the title of city MVP.
While my college cross country career spanned only a single season, I left an indelible mark. Experiencing a breakout season as the only underclassman in the varsity top 7, I reminisce, "That season was insane. Out of nowhere, I achieved significant time drops, running high school personal records in practice and during races." Being named Rookie of the Week in the MASCAC league and competing at the D3 regional championships, I left Bridgewater with a commendable 27:04 8k PR.
Today, I'm gearing up to apply to medical school with the hope of becoming a physician in East Boston one day, ready to give back to the community that nurtured me. Douglas Alvarado is not only an exceptional athlete and leader but also a dedicated scholar. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, a Master's in Biotechnology, and is currently on the cusp of completing his Marine Science major this year. His academic achievements stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to personal growth and his determination to excel in various fields of study. Douglas truly embodies the spirit of a well-rounded and accomplished individual, driven by a thirst for knowledge and a passion for making a positive impact on his community and the world at large.
"My entire life, people told me I would fail. I graduated high school with a 1.8 GPA, and some teachers even wagered they'd find me working at McDonald's. But here I am, in my senior year at Boston University, boasting a 3.81 GPA and embarking on master's coursework.
I wasn't a naturally gifted runner either. Ask any of my former teammates and coaches, and they'd tell you I lacked innate talent and battled injuries. Against all odds, I achieved what some deemed unthinkable. Throughout my life, I was surrounded by naysayers, but I was also fortunate to be encouraged by those, like Coach H, who believed I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. Thus, I've always held the belief that I can achieve whatever I desire because I wholeheartedly believe in myself. So, I leave you all with this: never let anyone dictate your destiny, for the power to control it lies within you." 🌟✨ #BelieveInYourself #EastBostonPride #Pioneer #Pillars #Dougie