With his hard working and charismatic personality, Tony Calavitta sure has accomplished many goals despite his hectic schedule. As a fourth year double major in English and Biology, Tony Calavitta not only is a well rounded student but also makes time being a private tutor in Beverly Hills, floor models for Abercrombie & Fitch, and works at a medical clinic altogether. Growing up in a farm in a small town in the state of Montana, Tony has streched his aspirations and dabling in many things and still continues his passion in pursuing a career in the medical field. Being one of nine children from his family, Tony finds inspiration from his family and friends such as completing his first Ironman triathalon which was a 2.4. mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run! He completed his first triathalon in his senior year of high school at the age of nineteen and still continues to compete in triathalons.
Here’s my chat with the ever multitalented Tony:
What are your aspirations or goals in life?
To be someone’s miracle.
As a child, a doctor saved my life despite hopeless circumstances, truly epitomizing the cliché “never give up.” She was my miracle! I was and continue to be inspired by the example she set for me and am hoping to follow in her footsteps, to become a pediatric hematologist, to be someone else’s miracle, just as she was mine.
What are your plans post grad?
Following graduation, I will be working in a hematology lab at CHOC with the (aforementioned) doctor who saved my life. During this time I am hoping to further reinforce my passion towards medicine, gain applicable experience in the field, and begin the process of applying to medical school.
What campus clubs and extra curriculars are you involved in?
- Phi Delta Epsilon Pre-Medical Fraternity
- UCLA Mobile Clinic Project
- Work, work, work
One word that describes you?
Superman!
When my youngest brother was 3 years old, my mom asked him “what do you want to be when you grow up?” and his answer was “Superman, like Tony.” Ever since then, since a 3 year old had enough faith in me to think I could fly, I try that much harder to do just that; I try every day to be a “hero,” a superman – if you will – in my own way.
What convinced you to double major?
I love to learn. Plain and simple. I’ve wanted to pursue medicine for as long as I can remember, but I love English too! Deciding to do both was a tough decision. A lot of people told me I was crazy. And maybe I am. BUT I’ve loved every step of the journey through UCLA (even despite the rigor of some of my coursework).
All in all, Tony Calavitta sure is Superman in his own right. Not only his younger brother’s touching words have shaped him but also his mindset that anything we put our minds in, no matter the difficulty or how insanely impossible it mught be for others Tony has beat against the odds. Tony surely captures the UCLA student that he is truly “Bruin born, Bruin bred.”
Photo Courtesy of Tony Calavitta