Human of the U: Keisha Jimenez

“This spring, I will graduate with a bachelor of science in psychology and a minor in human development and family studies. Earning a college degree can feel daunting, especially as a first-generation Latina student. It’s uncharted territory, and you often find yourself unsure of what to expect or who to turn to for answers to all your questions.

I worked full time in health care while I attended the U full time and I got my bachelor’s done in four years. For the first three years, I worked as a medical assistant at a few different clinics, gaining experience in various specialties. For this past year, I’ve been at Primary Children’s Medical Center, PCMC.

My experience in healthcare greatly impacted my decision on what degree to pursue. At first I thought my calling was nursing. But witnessing how much PCMC social workers contributed to children’s overall experience and recovery left a lasting impression on me. So I switched my major to psychology and started applying to graduate programs. This fall I’ll be starting the master of social work program at Weber State University. No one in my family has pursued a Master’s degree. I’ll admit it’s a bit intimidating, but the support and pride from my family help me stay grounded. I know I’m following the path that feels right for me.

Some of my fondest memories at the U are about studying with classmates for hours at the library. The library became my second home. I knew I could ask any question and get a helpful answer, but I also enjoyed being in a place that was lively and bustling. I honestly can’t count how many days, weekends and nights I spent there, but I can confidently say the library was a cornerstone of my success.”

— Keisha Jimenez, psychology, minor in human development and family studies, B.S. ’25

from Bountiful, Utah