“UoPeople Is Helping Me Build a Future Around My Passions,” Says Betania S., Health Science Student

A first-generation college student, Betania S. is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Science at University of the People while building a future in the United States. Originally from Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela, she moved to Kentucky with her family at 15 amid the political and economic crisis in her home country. 

From childhood, Betania dreamed of becoming a professional and was particularly drawn to animal health. She has always hoped to become a veterinarian or find another way to improve the health and well-being of animals. 

Moving to the United States brought a major challenge: she did not speak English. Determined to continue her education, Betania learned the language within a year and completed high school. 

She then attended a local technical school, where scholarships allowed her to earn two associate degrees—one in Natural Sciences and one in Arts—at no cost. But as her immigration circumstances changed, she no longer qualified for financial aid or scholarships. 

Betania went on to attend three different universities, but the cost of tuition made it increasingly difficult to continue. Her dream of earning a college degree began to feel out of reach. 

“It is hard to feel like the doors to your dreams are closing, especially when you have the hunger to get ahead in life for you and the people you love,” she says. “But I consider myself a very persevering person.” 

Her search for affordable higher education eventually led her to UoPeople. She discovered the university while searching online for free university options and saw an opportunity to continue her education despite the financial barriers she had faced. 

“I cannot explain how grateful I am for this university and the opportunity it is giving me,” Betania says. 

She was also able to transfer most of her credits from her associate degrees at the University of Kentucky and Bluegrass Community and Technical College, allowing her to continue her education without starting over. 

For Betania, access to education is what she values most about UoPeople. After experiencing how financial and immigration circumstances could interrupt her academic plans, having a path toward completing her degree has been deeply meaningful. 

“With UoPeople, I know I will achieve my goals,” she says. 

Throughout her journey, her parents, husband, three older brothers, and her dog have been a constant source of encouragement and motivation.

Her long-term goal is to use her Health Science degree as a foundation for a Master of Public Health. She hopes to use that education to contribute to the health of both people and animals in her community, bringing together her interest in public health with her lifelong love of animals. 

Outside of her studies, Betania enjoys reading and dancing. Her love for animals remains an important part of her life and future ambitions. 

Leaving Venezuela and starting over in the United States has not been easy, but Betania has continued to pursue the future she envisioned for herself. 

Her journey from learning English in a new country to earning associate degrees, overcoming financial barriers, and continuing toward a bachelor’s degree reflects the perseverance that has carried her forward. 

For Betania, every step toward graduation is another step toward turning a long-held dream into a future she can build for herself and the people she loves.