The shift from Park City High School (PCHS) to the University of Utah happened fast, but for freshman Jose Vazquez-Colmenero, the biggest adjustment wasn't just the heavier workload, it was the world opening up around him.
Reflecting on his journey, Jose credits the Bright Futures program for giving him the scaffolding he needs to thrive in college.
"Bright Futures was extremely beneficial for my adjustment to college and for developing organizational, time management, professional communication, stress, and money management skills that I would have had to develop on my own," Jose explains. "The Bright Futures program really helped me achieve success in high school. I would definitely recommend any first-generation high school student join the program."
Jose mentioned that "...from a social standpoint, there's a lot of diversity on campus and numerous Hispanic clubs where I can relate to countless people my age.”
Along with a new community came a whole new rhythm to daily life. "I've noticed I have a lot more free time between classes and after class to do pretty much what I desire, and everything I need is within walking distance," he explains. "Meeting up with friends is easier, and that sense of independence about choosing how to plan your day based on what your needs and wants are feels great."
A typical morning usually involves grabbing a bagel at Einstein's before diving into his coursework. Jose is currently enrolled in the Pre-Med Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program, a path sparked by a biotechnology class back at PCHS where he first fell in love with lab work.
"One of my dreams is to be a part of a Research & Development team and help invent a solution to a problem that's still prevalent in five years," Jose shares.
He further solidified his direction over the summer after shadowing Dr. Lauren Pearson, Chief Medical Officer for ARUP at the University of Utah Hospital. She pointed out that the MLS curriculum directly prepares students for medical school while offering nearly 100% job placement as a built-in safety net. "This gives me an advantage over pursuing a biology degree," he notes.
To keep his days balanced, Jose stays deeply involved on campus. Through the University of Utah’s First-Gen Scholars program, he’s gained tools for studying and navigating college life, while organizations like Bench to Bedside, Dreamers in Business, and the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) have given him a tight-knit community.
Now that he’s found his footing, Jose has a few words of wisdom for the students coming up behind him.
"My advice for high school seniors would be that senioritis isn't real; apply for as many scholarships as you can, regardless of how much time it takes, and apply to at least one per week," Jose advises. "And for students in Bright Futures: prioritize your grades and build your college resume right now. Hold leadership positions in clubs, sign up for volunteer hours, and try hard to get recognized for your academic achievements. I found a lot of connections doing that, and it’s greeted me with amazing opportunities."
Pepper Elliot, the Bright Futures Counselor at PCHS, said:
“We're all incredibly proud of Jose's journey at PCHS. He's a perfect example of what happens when a student discovers their purpose and commits to it. During his freshman and sophomore years, he was still finding his way, but once he set his sights on a Pre-Med pathway, everything changed. He brought focus, determination, and maturity to his junior and senior years that were truly impressive to witness. His intelligence and work ethic were always there; he just needed to unlock them. What really sets him apart, though, is his character and genuine kindness toward others. Those qualities, combined with his motivation, will serve him exceptionally well at the University of Utah and in life beyond college. We're excited to see all that he'll accomplish, and we know he'll make a meaningful impact wherever he ends up.”
Today, 76 Bright Futures students are progressing through our college program, including a record-breaking 27 first-year students, the largest incoming class in the program's history. These students are pursuing post-secondary studies at a variety of institutions across the country and internationally. This milestone reflects the power of the program’s evolution and its commitment to opening doors for every first-generation student in our community. We are so proud of Jose and all of our Bright Futures students!
