In education, the narrative of achievement over adversity often finds its most inspiring expression in the stories of first-generation students. Venecia Munoz serves as a shining example of unwavering perseverance and resilience as a first-generation college student.
Munoz is earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Profession Studies. “I’ve always wanted to be in the medical field, I love helping people, especially at their most vulnerable times.” She explained, “ I think my passion for helping people came from my love for my family and a hope that others would want to help my parents if they ever needed it someday.”
Munoz worked tirelessly to not only excel in her courses but also to keep her family afloat. “As a first-generation student, I had nobody to help me. I was working two full-time jobs while also enrolled in school full-time,” she remarked. “I do everything for my parents, since they are immigrants—I have to translate for them and have been helping them with their residency process. For a while, my parents had to leave the country, so I was left here alone with my little brother, which was very hard.”
Munoz said that although her parents couldn’t help her academically, their support made a huge difference. “They supported me in other ways and always encouraged me to keep going and never give up.” She also hopes to share what she has learned on this journey with younger family members. “ I can set an example for them now and prove that ‘we can do this.’ It makes it worth it knowing my family can have someone to look up to and knowing that they can do it too, and that’s what gets me through it.”
Throughout her time at GCU, Munoz utilized TRIO and EOF services to guide her through her academic journey as the first college student in her family. “TRIO and EOF helped me build and connect within the community. TRIO was my helpline,” she added. Munoz also credits Pat Torlucci, a TRIO advisor, for helping her through her academic journey. “She was always there for me, offering any help I might need. She helped me so much with everything I was going through.”
As a Catholic from a religious family, Munoz found comfort in GCU’s Catholic community and within the Mercy core values. “It is very nice to be in a school that aligns with my religious beliefs and attend a university that supports my values. The core values have and will always stick with me and my career, and have helped shape the way I navigate my career and future.”
Munoz plans to attend radiology school in the future. “I like radiology because you get to see both sides of the healthcare field. You get to be in the back and the lab while also helping patients directly and being there for them when they need you.”
When asked what advice she would give to other first-generation students, Munoz replied, “It’s okay to need help and it’s not going to be easy. Don’t underestimate the help you can get and accept all the help you are offered.” Munoz’s story of perseverance sets a true example of triumph over hardship for generations of students to come.
