First-generation graduate goes from bachelor's degree to doctoral pursuit

Jimenez graduated from LSUS in May with a degree in biological sciences and a concentration in cellular and molecular biology. As the first person in her family to earn a college degree, she said the accomplishment reflects the sacrifices and support of her parents and extended family.

"My family, we are Mexican American. I'm the first one to complete college and pursue higher education," Jimenez said.

She is also the oldest granddaughter, oldest cousin, and oldest niece on her mother's side of the family. Jimenez said she hopes her success encourages younger relatives to pursue their own educational goals.

Her parents stressed the value of education from an early age.

"They wanted me to pursue higher education because nobody can take away your education," Jimenez said. "You can be your own boss and do whatever you want."

Jimenez developed an interest in science as a child and strengthened that passion through North DeSoto High School's biomedical sciences program. While she once considered becoming a physician, her experiences working in retail pharmacy during high school and college introduced her to a different healthcare career path.

"Organic chemistry was the turning point," Jimenez said. "I realized I actually loved how things worked and what being a pharmacist entails."

At LSU Shreveport, Jimenez explored interests in biochemistry, public health and anatomy while preparing for professional school. Faculty mentors encouraged her pursuit of pharmacy and helped her navigate career decisions.

A volunteer experience at the Martin Luther King Health Center in Shreveport further solidified her plans. The clinic provides free primary healthcare and pharmacy services to uninsured patients.

Jimenez volunteered as a translator for Spanish-speaking patients, helping them communicate with healthcare providers about medications and medical concerns.

"I applied to pharmacy school because of that experience," she said. "It opened my eyes that I wanted to be alongside the physician providing care."

This fall, Jimenez will begin pharmacy school at UT Tyler with hopes of becoming a pediatric pharmacist.

"I want to be a pharmacist, specifically a pediatric pharmacist," she said. "I love kids."

Long term, she hopes to work in a children's hospital and eventually explore opportunities in rural healthcare.

As she prepares for the next stage of her education, Jimenez said earning her degree is about more than personal achievement.

"This is a reflection of not just my hard work, but theirs as well," she said. "I am so happy that I am leading the life they wanted to give me in the first place."