Jennifer Juarez Yoc defied the odds in becoming an accomplished student after living in abject poverty in California. Her parents fled a civil war in Guatemala in order to have a better life, and now she is on a path to become a doctor. Jennifer remains extraordinarily determined and focused on her future.

Jennifer is earning bachelor’s degrees in biology and Spanish at Sonoma State University. She received Dean’s List recognition and received the EOP First Year Freshman Aurelio Saucedo Award, which is awarded to students who are role models of determination, intelligence, talent and resilience in the face of adversity.

Jennifer’s interest in medicine stems from witnessing her family’s chronic illnesses and those of people in her small village in Guatemala. Her interest intensified through medical internships at UCSF and UCLA. Once she becomes a doctor, Jennifer is determined to give back by providing medical treatment in underdeveloped countries and in economically depressed communities.