Jared Santiago Lopez. Image: Submitted.

By: Cailyn Kennedy

Lenoir Community College student Jared Santiago-Lopez is a 19-year-old with a heart full of determination and a vision for a better future. Having spent most of his life in Kinston after his family immigrated from Mexico, he has taken on a challenge not only for himself but for his entire community. He’s currently pursuing a degree in nursing at LCC, fueled by a desire to bring more Latino representation to healthcare. "When my parents first came here, they struggled to find anyone who could communicate with them in a way they understood," Santiago-Lopez reflects. "I want to change that for families like mine."

As a first-generation college student, Jared has faced the challenges of higher education largely on his own. While his parents have been deeply supportive, they were unfamiliar with the U.S. education system. However, he didn’t let that slow him down. In fact, he’s excelled, maintaining an impressive 3.95 GPA. And that's just the start.                                                                                                                                      

While working on his studies, Santiago-Lopez is also juggling his part-time job at Kinston Clinic Pharmacy, assisting with the North Lenoir High School wrestling team, working at the LCC Academic Success Center, and fulfilling his duties as a student ambassador for the college.

When asked how he handles such a full plate, he stated, "Honestly, I don’t even realize how much I’m doing. I just love staying busy and helping others." His passion shines brightest when he's tutoring, where he often feels he’s learning just as much from his students as they are from him. "It’s a great feeling when someone finally gets it, and I know I had a hand in their success."

His motivation comes from his family and upbringing. Watching his parents work tirelessly in their jobs as he grew up taught him the value of hard work and sacrifice. "I saw how much my parents gave for our family, and that pushes me every day. I want to prove that their hard work and journey coming here wasn't a mistake."

Looking to the future, he dreams of pursuing his BSN, working as a travel nurse in emergency rooms, and one day moving to Florida with his fiancée, who shares his passion for nursing. His advice to other first-generation students is powerful: "Don’t give up. You have been given an opportunity so don’t let it slip through your hands."

Santiago-Lopez's story is one of hard work, ambition, and giving back. He stands as a role model, particularly for students who are breaking barriers as the first in their families to pursue higher education. He shows that no matter where you start, it’s where you’re headed that counts.