Leslie Rivera

Major: Medicine, Emphasis: Basic Medical Sciences
Second Major: Care, Health, and Society
Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Tucson
Birthplace: Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Leslie Rivera

My Journey with the BSM Program

I began with the BSM program when it was introduced to me in 2022, during my sophomore year. I decided to choose this major since it aligned with my career goals and academic journey of pursuing nursing after my bachelor’s degree. This program gave me more flexibility to study an undergraduate career in health care, and take the necessary courses and experiences that will prepare me for future nursing programs. This major gives me the opportunity to use my core courses and emphasis electives for my future academic pursuits at the University of Arizona. The Bachelor of Science in Medicine is preparing me for a future in health care in my own desired career path. The academic advisers in this department are wonderful in preparing you depending on your career choice and personal needs, they have oriented and understood my situation as a first-generation Hispanic student to take the correct courses in the ideal timeline that works best for me, and give me advice on how to benefit from all the resources and programs they offer. I am excited to be an ambassador for this department and connect with all students. 

Academic & Career Goals

My plan is to pursue the Master of Science in Nursing Entry to the Profession (MEPN) program here at the University of Arizona. This accelerated program will prepare me for a future in my dream career, which is nursing. Specialties that interest me are pediatrics, NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), oncology and family medicine. These interests of mine arise from my need to assist individuals of all ages and backgrounds and give all my future patients the best treatment, care and attention. Beyond this program I would like to continue my education to become a nurse practitioner.

Current On- and Off-campus Involvements

  • Clinica Amistad: Volunteer
  • AmeriCorps: Arizona Serves Member 
  • Scholarships A-Z Organization: Education Outreach Specialist
  • Beyond Dreams Scholarship Program: Board Member 
  • The Dream.US National Scholar
  • University of Arizona: Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities Undergraduate Certificate in Developmental Disabilities 

Ask Me About

Navigating college as a first-generation student and immigrant, scholarships and opportunities open to undocumented students, places to volunteer in our community based on your career interests, my personal experiences, benefits of the BSM program, double majoring, minoring in Spanish, professional development virtual programs, and advice for difficult classes.