PAGE 29

ON THE RISE

Antonio Espinoza ‘ 21 was the first person in his family to graduate college . Less than a year later , he was also accepted to medical school , taking the first step toward his dream of becoming a physician .

The Jacksonville University chemistry alumnus will attend the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in the fall , one of the top medical schools in the country .

“ Graduating from JU as a firstgeneration student felt like I was triumphant in overcoming numerous challenges and breaking several glass ceilings ,” he said . “ As a college graduate , I can be confident in my future and ability .”

He hasn ’ t settled on a specialty , but growing up in West Virginia exposed him to systemic problems within healthcare that he hopes to help solve .

While the journey there wasn ’ t always easy , Espinoza hopes that as a first-generation college graduate and future doctor he can help others that are in his position do the same .

“ I hope the adversity I overcame as a first-generation college student will empower me to advocate for similarly disadvantaged individuals .”