By Trent Shadid

The First Scholars Program at the University of Memphis provided a path to life-changing opportunities for Juan Torres. 

A senior Health Studies major with a concentration in Exercise Science, Torres was born in León, Mexico, and was 3 when he moved to Memphis with his family. 

“Growing up, I saw my family work hard to make ends meet and be able to put me through school,” said Torres, who earned U.S. citizenship in 2019. “I didn't have much as a young child except for a dream to work as hard as my parents and to help them retire one day.” 

Torres graduated from White Station High School and planned to attend a community college nearby to begin his journey in higher education and remain close to his family. Monetarily, the UofM was not a possibility for him. That changed when he was accepted into the University’s First Scholars Program. 

First Scholars provides four years of support to first-generation college students, drastically enhancing their overall experience and ability to graduate. In addition to the personalized support from a full-time program coordinator and peer mentors, students receive an annual award of $5,000 for four years.

“I was only able to choose the UofM because of the First Scholars Program,” Torres said. “The program has been at the core of all the great experiences I've had at the UofM. I was able to get comfortable and motivated from the very beginning. Being a first-generation college student, I didn't know what it would take to be successful until First Scholars provided me with plenty of advice and support.” 

Torres has been very involved in campus life throughout his time at the UofM. He’s served as an orientation guide, Frosh Camp counselor, Lambda Chi Alpha president and Educational Support Program tutor in addition to roles with the Student Government Association and Hispanic Student Association. 

His campus community action plan — No Tiger Left Behind — sought to enhance the development of the student experience and campus culture during the COVID- 19 pandemic. No Tiger Left Behind was formed as part of his 2020 Mr. University of Memphis finalist nomination, an honor he won last fall. 

“Being named Mr. UofM was a feeling like no other,” Torres said. “It made me realize all the hard work and sleepless nights that began as a freshman were well worth it. What was most important to me was that being Mr. UofM meant I had left a positive impact on other students during my time at the University. From the beginning, that was something I was keen on doing.” 

The importance of becoming a first-generation success story is not lost on Torres, though neither is the pressure that can come with it. He recommends students in similar situations use any stress or anxiety about becoming the first in their family to graduate as motivation to accomplish their goals on and off campus. 

“Being first-generation is a very powerful thing,” Torres said. “We carry a heavy weight on our back given that we are committing to something our parents and loved ones weren’t able to do. Don’t be afraid to seek out help. There are plenty of students that have the same questions you might have when stumbling upon something difficult. Reach out for support from your classmates, professors, tutoring services or any of the many great programs on campus.” 

As an intern at Wright Medical Technology in Memphis, Torres plans to remain in the area for the foreseeable future following graduation. He sees himself working as a sales representative for a high-end technology company, like Wright Medical, providing products to hospitals in need. 

“Attending the University of Memphis was the best decision I ever made,” Torres said. “At this institution, I have met so many powerful figures that have helped me become a better version of myself. Along the way, I have been blessed with the opportunity to make an impact on many students that I now call my friends and family.”