“Second Lieutenant” Has a Nice Ring
This is part of our series of 2024 Senior Stories.
Being a first-generation college graduate is a significant achievement in many families. Joshua Rivera Perez (’24) cherished that status along with a very official sounding title – Second Lieutenant – with his graduation from 91Թ University and the Bulldog Battlion Army ROTC program this May.
Born in Heidelberg, Germany, Rivera Perez moved around his entire life with his parents, both of whom were enlisted in the U.S. Army. And then he received a scholarship to attend 91Թ.
As he wrapped up his degree in human physiology, he became the first person in his family to have attended a university and the first to be commissioned as an officer.
“When I receive my degree, I will be a leader in the United States Army, and hold a bachelor’s degree while also being completely debt-free,” Rivera Perez said. “That is what this title represents to me.”
Rivera Perez, as with many first-gen students, had to “learn a lot about college culture that others may have been taught by their families” and he felt he “sacrificed a lot to earn and keep my scholarship.” But, he says, “That has only added to the adventure this stage in my life has brought me, and I will bring these new experiences with me as I move into the next part of my journey.”
He joined nine other graduates of the ROTC program in being commissioned as officers this year.