Congratulations, UVU 2020 First-Gen Graduates!

“[Graduation is] a celebration of never giving up.”

~ Jacob Hugo

“To me, the words “I am first” have a very special meaning because I know that no matter your background, no matter your circumstances you can succeed and graduate from college!...UVU has been an incredible school to attend. The quality education and opportunities I received have opened the door to a great career. To whomever may be reading this please don’t allow yourself to be a victim of your circumstances! The road to graduating college is hard, but with hard work, proper guidance, and self-determination you will be able to graduate from college, I know it!”

~ David Artica

“I always knew that I wanted to graduate from college. It has always been the one thing that has kept me going and made me continue even when I didn’t think I could...No matter the cost, I am happy that I could be a first-generation student.”

~ Duncan Christensen

“I never really thought that I would ever attend college in my life. I never thought that I could accomplish something like that. In my life, I have struggled with my self-esteem and never thought I would do anything with my life. I now can say that I have been able to overcome this and am now about to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it and give it your all. It has been a lot of hard work but it has been worth it. For anyone that is out there that feels they can’t do college or they are feeling low on their self-esteem, I want you to know that you can do it. Just keep moving forward and NEVER GIVE UP.”

~ Jordan Esteban

“College was a lot harder than I thought it would be—especially the six math classes I had to take in three years—but I did it! I took each assignment and each test one at a time. It took me three years to get my Associate’s Degree, and five years to get through all of my schooling, but now I am a teacher. I’ve earned a Bachelor’s Degree with a Minor in Autism Studies. I’m a certified Special Education teacher in Utah. I’m on the dean’s list and I’m graduating with honors. I still can’t believe it.”

~ Jess Gifford

“I really discovered who I was through college and can’t wait to tackle what comes next.”

~ Ryan Hanks