Not only is Kay a first-gen student, but she completed her degree in four years while working fulltime – a feat not many conquer. For the first three years, she worked as a medical assistant at a few different clinics, gaining experience in various specialties. She currently works at Primary Children’s Medical Center (PCMC), where she has been for the last year.

Dressed professionally and offering up a beaming, confident smile, Keisha “Kay” Jimenez arrived at the library right on time for the interview. Kay came here to share the story of her academic journey at the University of Utah and how the library served as her base camp for the last four years.

“Earning a degree in higher education can feel daunting, especially as a first-generation Latina student,” explains Kay, who will graduate this May with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. “It’s uncharted territory, and you often find yourself unsure of what to expect or who to turn to for answers to all your questions.”

Kay’s experience in healthcare greatly impacted her decision on what degree to pursue. “My passion is helping others, and at first, I thought my calling was nursing. But I later realized I wanted to help people in a different way. Witnessing how much PCMC social workers contributed to patients’ overall experience and recovery left a lasting impression on me,” Kay shares.

With this new vision and direction, Kay switched her major to psychology and started applying to graduate programs. She will be starting the Master of Social Work program at Weber State University this fall. “No one in my family has pursued a Master’s degree,” says Kay. “I’ll admit it’s a bit intimidating, but the support and pride from my family help me stay grounded. I know I’m following the path that feels right for me.”

So where does the library come into play? Juggling a full-time job, a heavy course load and living on her own, Kay needed a stable, supportive environment. “The library became my second home. I knew I could ask any question and get a helpful answer, but I also enjoyed being in a place that was lively and bustling. I honestly can’t count how many days, weekends, and nights I spent there, but I can confidently say the library was a cornerstone of my success.”

When asked about her favorite parts of the library, Kay responds with a big smile, “Definitely the large, comfortable booths on level one. Some of my fondest memories at the U are studying with classmates for hours at those booths. I also appreciate the study treadmills. The thoughtful details throughout the library show that the staff genuinely cares about students.