Meet the NAU Helios Pathway Scholars
Anjuly Gomez Calderon
Northern Arizona University, Psychology
“The probability of helping families and students like me in my community who struggle with their daily life routines or mental preoccupations excites me and gives me a purpose in life. Although I know it is not going to be easy, I believe I have what it takes to successfully accomplish my goals and aspirations.”
Anjuly is a first-generation college student from San Luis transferring to Northern Arizona University from Arizona Western College to pursue a degree in clinical psychology. She is passionate about mental health and committed to breaking barriers and supporting the community through education and perseverance. Anjuly plans to earn her doctoral degree in psychology and open clinics to help families and students facing mental health challenges.
Yaquelin Garcia
Northern Arizona University, Modern Languages
“I realized my ability to bridge languages had meaning. Now, as I prepare to transfer to Northern Arizona University, I see how far I’ve come. My struggles didn’t break me, they made me stronger.”
A first-generation college student, Yaquelin’s struggle to learn English when she moved to the U.S. from Mexico at a young age inspired her to pursue a degree in modern languages at Northern Arizona University. Her long-term goal is to become a professional who can use her language skills to work in international relations or as an interpreter for global businesses and organizations.
Vladimir Gurrola
Northern Arizona University, Mechanical Engineering
“I’ve always understood that education is both an opportunity and a responsibility as a first-generation college student. Studying engineering and computer science has not only fueled my passion for problem-solving but has also given me a path to create meaningful change.”
Watching his grandmother battle Alzheimer’s disease charted Vladimir on a journey towards a degree in mechanical engineering, so he can develop technology to help those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. A bachelor’s degree at Northern Arizona University will also position him for graduate studies, where he can further explore computational modeling of the brain, fields that are deeply personal to him, to honor his grandmother’s legacy.
Leeza Jones
Northern Arizona University, English
“Although it is possible for me to become an author without a bachelor's degree, I came to the conclusion that obtaining one could develop my skills before I officially publish books. I would likely want to teach at some point, whether at a high school or college level. I want to inspire future generations to keep the art of literature alive just as educators before me kept that passion alive.”
Leeza has always chased excellence, but the road hasn’t been easy. After battling depression and anxiety in high school, she made a vow to herself and her parents that she would rise again. And she did. Now holding a 3.9 GPA at Arizona Western College, Leeza is determined to earn her bachelor’s degree at Northern Arizona University, not just to fulfill her dream of becoming an author and educator, but to honor the sacrifices of her parents and achieve the higher education they never had the opportunity to pursue.
Daniela Limon
Northern Arizona University, Education
“In a time when I couldn't see a future for myself, my teachers helped me apply to colleges and showed me that I needed to continue my education to help myself in the future. That extra push and support got me through high school and changed my life.”
Daniela aspires to follow in the footsteps of her mother, who spent 30 years as a teacher, and make the same meaningful impact on students’ lives that her own teachers had on hers. She plans to graduate with a degree in education from Northern Arizona University and return to her hometown of Yuma to teach history.
Damara Rodriguez
Northern Arizona University, Studio Art
“At a young age, the one thing that always caught my attention was the arts. Whether it was dance, drawing, painting, or music, I was always inspired to create. A huge impact on my creative journey has always been my teachers.”
Diagnosed with a chronic neurological condition at a young age, Damara has not let health complications get in her way of achieving academic success. She continues towards fulfilling her aspirations of becoming an art teacher at Northern Arizona University so that she can inspire others along the way. She is a transfer student from Arizona Western College.