Forman Scholar Irving Talavera Rosas Combining Passion for Science with Vision for Affordable Healthcare

Growing up, Irving Talavera Rosas watched friends and family struggle to afford the essential medication they depended on. It was then that he decided something needed to be done. As a rising freshman at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., the Forman Scholar is eyeing a future career in the pharmaceutical industry and a crusade for affordable and accessible healthcare.

“People who don’t have health insurance can’t afford the medicine they desperately need. It’s that simple, and it’s wrong,” Irving said. “One of my primary goals after I graduate college is to work to lower the cost of prescription drugs. Everyone should have access to affordable medicine.”

Irving is currently set to major in business and minor in pre-health, a combination he believes will allow him to attack the drug-cost crisis from a variety of angles.

“This is a multifaceted problem, so I want to make sure I am well-equipped to be a part of the solution,” Irving said. “I’m looking forward to diving into my coursework and devising ways to make our society a better place.”

As a Salem High student, Irving took a particular liking to the sciences, especially biology. He’s always been fascinated by the natural world around him.

“I’m intrigued by the ways in which organisms can have an impact on the environment and also how the environment can have an impact on organisms in return,” Irving said. “When it comes to science, there’s always something to learn, and I’m always on the hunt for something new to discover and explore.”

Indeed, Irving’s exploration knows no bounds. Whether he’s walking on a local nature trail or spontaneously skydiving, he’s always been known for his adventurous spirit. And as a member of Salem High’s Interact Club, he developed a passion for service and community improvement.

“During my time with Interact, we took part in a number of projects aimed at improving our local area,” Irving said. “I can confidently say those experiences shaped me into the student and person I am today.”

Irving even had the opportunity to travel to Croatia as a member of Salem’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program and gain a greater understanding of the needs of communities located on the other side of the world. He and his fellow IB students worked to clean up trash while visiting the country, among other service endeavors.

“Traveling to Croatia was hands down my favorite memory from high school,” Irving said. “Being able to meet and get to know people of a completely different culture was extremely eye-opening and gave me a different perspective on the world. I am extremely grateful for the experience.”

Having successfully passed the rigorous IB exam, there is no doubt Irving will take Franklin & Marshall by storm and succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. He is eager to kickstart this new chapter in his life, comforted by the support and encouragement provided by the Forman Acton Foundation.

“I’m so thankful for the Foundation and for all those who have helped me along the way, guiding me to where I am today,” Irving said. “The scholarship provided to all Scholars is certainly an immense help, but I am also appreciative of the fact that the Foundation will be there for me every step of my college experience. I’m a little less nervous knowing I always have a support system cheering me on.”