I was born in West Valley, Utah, to a father from Idaho and a mother from Argentina. My family was not well off, but my parents both worked hard to take care of my sister and me. We eventually moved to Taylorsville, Utah, and that’s where I grew up for most of my life. Though I deeply care about my family, neither of my parents went to college, so my family was not focused on school. My parents focused on helping me become a good person that developed good relationships with people. Throughout high school I had many friends, but I was quite similar to Ferris Bueller. I liked to do things other than school. I almost didn’t graduate high school because I failed several classes. One summer class later, I still graduated!

After high school, I left to serve a volunteer church mission in Jacksonville, Florida. I met my wife just before I left for my mission and got married to her shortly after I returned. We didn’t have a lot of money, but life seemed good. About a year into our marriage, we decided that we wanted kids. I had always wanted to have a large family; in fact, that was one of the reasons that I loved my wife’s family. She grew up with five siblings, and I liked that. We tried for a year to have children but had no success. Our options were relatively limited because my wife was close to graduating and I had just started college.

I didn’t ever think I would go to college, that is until I met my wife. Her family was entirely focused on education. To put it into perspective — if I got a C, my parents told me I did great. If my wife got a C, she was grounded for a month. Her family was amazing, and they understood how important education is to move forward in life. After I married my wife, about a month later she asked where I would be going to college. I wasn’t sure! I hadn’t thought about college up to that point. My father had kept the same job for 28 years. He was a hard worker who never stopped and always kept progressing. He provided for our family and didn’t need his college degree.  

Finally, after a few months of talking with my wife, I finally said I would go to school. I applied to a local community college, but it didn’t feel right at that time. My wife told me that I should aim for a university. I looked into several universities in Utah, but I had a feeling that they chuckled a little bit when they saw my high school transcripts and SAT scores. After this experience, I was downhearted a little bit — I didn’t think any university would take me.

My wife and I moved from our home in Sugarhouse to Orem so my wife could finish at BYU. After the move, I began working at Jason’s Deli where I heard a lot of my coworkers talking about UVU. They told me that I should look into it, so I spent the next few days checking out UVU. I took the Accuplacer, got accepted into UVU, and began my general classes soon after. I started pursuing a degree in exercise science — until I took my first science course. I soon after realized that science wasn’t for me and began to explore other options.

During this time, my wife and I were still trying to have kids. We received medical help from a clinic in the area, which allowed us to continue trying. After about three years, we did an in vitro cycle and got a boy and a girl (twins!). This event changed my whole perspective. I realized that I needed to get my degree in something that I loved, as well as something that would allow me to provide for my family.

One day, a family member came into town and spent a lot of time with our family. One of our fun family traditions is to do little family talent shows that showcase our family’s widely varying talents. My wife would sing, her brother would speak in Chinese, and her sister would do gymnastics. When it was my turn, I showed a drawing that I made to this family member. She immediately asked if I was selling my art. I was astounded! I had always loved to draw but had never considered a career in it. This was important to me because someone told me that my talent was worth something. I went to my counselor and decided on graphic design.

I’m currently on my seventh year of college. I’ve failed a few classes, but I keep on going forward. Our family has grown to include Joey and Jocelyn, a two-year-old named Sloan, and an eight-month-old named Max.

About two years ago, our oldest son was diagnosed with autism. This changed the perspective of our family even more. My wife and I consistently talk about our children. When we go on a date to the store, we talk about our children. We decided to begin Joey on treatment early. We researched everything we could find on autism and how to best prepare our son. He is talking now and enrolled in an autistic preschool. He has really been flourishing, and I am so proud of him for that.

Today, we own our own apartment and work hard to provide for our children. I will be graduating in 2020, hopeful of getting a job in something that I am interested in.

UVU was the place for me because even though I failed or felt I failed a few times, I was always able to try again. When I thought I wouldn’t be able to get into a university, I was able to come here to pursue my dream. UVU has helped me achieved what I want to do in my life.