Fidencio Saldana

What inspires or motivates you in your role at HMS/HSDM?
"How did I get here?" I have pondered this question many times throughout my career. My parents are immigrants from Mexico who spoke little English as I was growing up. As a child I was their interpreter of the American world around them, both linguistically and culturally. By the time I reached the 4th grade I had surpassed my parents' highest level of formal education. I look around me and see this is not the typical background of a Harvard Faculty Member. The question still remains, "How did I get here?" A good part of it is due to the values of hard work and belief in education that my parents instilled in me. The other part was due to the incredible teachers that believed in me, even more than I believed in myself. These individuals saw my potential and allowed me to realize it.

As a teacher l aim to be that person for others. I teach because I believe every student has an infinite potential to affect this world in a positive way. Regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, every student has the right to fulfill their potential free of judgement. Our students are the future of medicine and we must instill in them the knowledge and confidence to take our field in the right direction. I teach with gratitude for those who have taught me and believed in me, with awe in looking at the talent before me in the classroom, and with hope knowing we are leaving the world in good hands. This is why I teach.

In what ways do you feel you contribute to the Harvard community?
Following are emails I have received from students:

"I just wanted to take the time and congratulate you on being appointed Faculty Assistant Dean at HMS. As a Latino Harvard student, I am elated! I actually met you at the Latino Medical Student Association in Chicago last spring. I was still awaiting my decision on Harvard, so I was accepted, and I am currently a first year."

"In late January of this semester, we met each other briefly at an HMMA event. You spoke there about the importance of networking and meeting people. I took that to heart and immediately applied it by going and introducing myself to you. I will admit I was actually pretty nervous approaching such an accomplished Latino, but it seems to have benefited me in many ways so I am glad I did."

"I think it would be fun to go through this write up with you too sometime this week. Also, if you have a chance tomorrow it would be great to chat with you for a few minutes to hear your advice/thoughts on a few things...I didn't really need to go over the write up. I just wanted a chance to meet with you because I always feel better after talking to you. HMS is really lucky to have you."

I feel honored that have the potential of positively affecting the life of just one student. I feel blessed that I have been given the opportunity to do so for many.