“The U has been on my mind since I was very little. Growing up in Salt Lake, I saw it as something very prestigious. When I got accepted, there was no other decision I could make. It just felt like where I was supposed to be.

I came in on the pre-health track, so psychology wasn’t on my radar. But then I took Psych 1010, and I was like, wait, I have other interests too. I could learn about human behavior and the anatomy of the brain, which, as someone going into health care, is very beneficial. I stuck with it, and I’m really glad that I did.

Through the LEAP program, I got both volunteer and research experience. I joined a lab focused on health disparities in Bolivia and across South America. That really helped me hone in on my decision of going into health care. I want to serve underrepresented and underserved communities, and I think the best way I can do that is through healthcare.

I came in as a first-gen student and didn’t really know how to navigate things or search for guidance. I struggled my freshman year. Over the years, I’ve learned, made mistakes, and grown from them. Now I try to spread the word by connecting with incoming students, talking about the resources we have and helping lead them toward success.

Two experiences really marked my time here. I took organic chemistry—a class a lot of people hate—and I ended up loving it. I became a TA for that class, and I’ve loved seeing what it’s like to be a teacher. I’ve also served as a mentor for the First Generation Success program. It was a special experience to share the things that helped me with other first-generation students.

My plan is to go to P.A. school next. I primarily want to work with underserved communities like the one I grew up in. I really want to make a positive impact.”

— Elijah Mendoza, Class of 2026, B.S. in Psychology, minor in chemistry, College of Social and Behavioral Science and College of Science, from Salt Lake City, Utah