As first-generation college students, you understand better than most the obstacles that exist in pursuing higher education. My goal is that you can recognize that you’re not alone in your struggles.
Every year, the BYU College of Life Sciences hosts a First-Generation Student Luncheon. Students have the opportunity to meet with mentors, learn about available resources, and connect with other first-generation college students over a free meal. This last First-Generation Student Luncheon highlighted special guest speaker Dr. Joshua Jaramillo, a trauma surgeon and former BYU student, who compared the educational journey to running a race.
A Race for Success
Jaramillo shared a story about students running a race for $100. Before starting, they were asked to step forward if they met criteria like having married parents, private education, or never having to help pay bills—factors beyond the students’ control. As a result, some students were nearly at the finish line before the race began, while others were still at the start. The race illustrated the impact of social inequality on education. “As first-generation college students, you understand better than most the obstacles that exist in pursuing higher education.”
After discussing the race, Jaramillo shared the challenges he and his father faced while obtaining college degrees. “My goal is that you can recognize that you’re not alone in your struggles,” he explained. Jaramillo’s father, the youngest of six, grew up in poverty and was encouraged to work from a young age. No one talked to him about college, so after high school, he worked construction and served a mission.
When he returned, he took online night classes while working until he married and started a family. Later, he resumed night classes with tuition assistance from his employer. Despite almost losing hope, he earned his bachelor’s degree after ten years and his master’s three years later. “I’m amazed by his determination and grit,” Jaramillo conveyed. “He faced insurmountable challenges, hurdles, and barriers... He did this while raising a family, working multiple jobs, and actively serving in the church, but he did it. He got an education.”
Jaramillo also faced challenges in higher education. After high school, he attended BYU but felt unprepared compared to his classmates. “I felt I didn’t belong and was worried about being able to do well,” he shared. After his first semester, he served a mission and returned with a new focus. Unsure of his exact path, he bounced between majors and got involved in several of the opportunities available at BYU.
During this process, Jaramillo reconnected with his initial desire to attend medical school. He and his wife moved in with his in-laws in Colorado, where he attended the same university his father had for prerequisites. Through church connections, he found a mentor who helped him shadow at a Spanish-speaking clinic, leading to his medical school acceptance at Stanford. There, he fell in love with surgery and pursued surgical training. To support his family and pay for college, Jaramillo committed to the military, where he received critical care training.
Jaramillo acknowledged that not everyone starts on the same line in the pursuit of education, but that doesn’t mean that success isn’t possible. He reminded the students that many people at BYU care deeply about them and their success and that resources are available to help them navigate their academic paths. “We’re here for you. We know you can do it,” he emphasized. One of the attending students, Jared Cruickshank (NEURO ‘26), was touched by Jaramillo’s message. “I liked that a major theme was his discipline and willingness to commit to something and do well,” he explained. “Your path can take all kinds of twists and turns, but through determination, you can achieve what you want to do.”
Jaramillo concluded his remarks with a message of hope: “God knows where you are in this race, and he’s aware of the struggles you face. He’s going to help you be successful,” he said. “When you have doubts or face challenges you don’t think you can overcome, I want you to know that God is there sticking his hand out to help you.”
For students interested in learning more about available resources for first-generation college students, click here.