“I have been a hairdresser for the past 25 years. I went to cosmetology school to put myself through college in the early aughts, and after one semester at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), I was seduced away by the appeal of a cash-heavy industry and meeting lots of different people.

During that time, I learned how to create space for all sorts of different people. I have had people in my chair with color on their hair when they found out their best friend has died. And I have been there to make them as comfortable as possible and allow them to feel their feelings, all while making sure their hair still turns out the way it’s supposed to.

During the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, I watched the racial injustice that unfolded on our screens that summer. Because of some surgeries I had had, I was at a point where physically I couldn’t work as a hairdresser anymore. I wanted to continue to hold space for people and empower them. Becoming a social worker seemed like the best way I could do that.

I returned to SLCC and was fortunate enough to get into the honors program there. The relationship between SLCC’s honors program and the University of Utah’s Honor’s College helped bridge my experience between the schools when I transferred to the U in 2023.

As a non-traditional student who is 45 years young, I have really enjoyed connecting with peers in my program who are in their 30s and 40s. These people have families, they’re professionals, they’re transitioning from one career to another, and I have learned so much from them. I know older people can glean things from younger folks and vice versa, but there is a special kind of support the older students provide for each other.

I came to my program thinking I wanted to only do clinical private practice and now I feel like I want to teach. I might want to work at SLCC or be a high school guidance counselor. I am also really attracted to giving back and working with younger folks through programs like Latinos in Action. I especially want to help kids who are Chicano prepare for the challenges of accessing financial aid and navigating higher education.”

— Jared Gomez, a junior majoring in social work