Jacqueline Hernandez-Burgos would have never guessed that when she transferred to UAB she would also become familiar with UAB Medicine. After earning her associate degree in biology from Jefferson State Community College, Jacqueline Hernandez-Burgos was certain about pursuing a bachelor’s degree — but uncertain about where to continue her education. Her decision became clear when she joined the Center for Community Outreach and Development’s summer research program for transfer students. It was through this experience that she discovered the University of Alabama at Birmingham was exactly where she belonged.

“The summer after I graduated from Jeff State, I attended the camp with CORD,” Hernandez-Burgos said. “Through the weeks, I got to meet a lot of the UAB faculty and got know the campus, and that is when I knew this is where I wanted to spend the next two years.”

During her first semester as an official Blazer, Hernandez-Burgos encountered an unforeseen challenge that tested her in ways she had never imagined.

“During my first year at UAB, I became a caretaker for my grandparents, and they both had a lot of health issues. They lived just a few minutes from campus, so when they needed to see a doctor, I would take them to UAB Medicine,” the Alabaster, Alabama, native said.

Balancing a full course load while regularly transporting her grandparents to medical appointments began to take a toll on Hernandez-Burgos. The demanding schedule left her feeling overwhelmed and increasingly concerned about keeping up with her classes.

“I remember growing up hearing that college professors are not as hands-on and involved, but that was the opposite of my experience,” Hernandez-Burgos said. “My professors cared about me and would reach out to me to check in, and when there was an issue that I had to tend to, they were so accommodating of my circumstances and worked with me.”

In addition to her professors, Hernandez-Burgos found comfort in her advisors and fellow classmates.

Now, Hernandez-Burgos eagerly anticipates stepping onto the commencement stage on Saturday, May 3, to receive her bachelor’s degree in biology from the College of Arts and Sciences. “Coming in as a transfer student, most students your age have already experienced two years on campus, so it can be hard to put yourself out there,” Hernandez-Burgos said. “Being a part of the research opportunities through CORD allowed me to meet students from across campus, and they became my small family.”

By the end of Hernandez-Burgos’ first year on campus, her grandfather’s health sharply declined. Concerned for his well-being, she took him to UAB Medicine, where he was diagnosed with kidney failure caused by diabetes.

On Christmas Day 2024, their miracle arrived. Hernandez-Burgos’ grandfather received a kidney transplant at UAB Hospital.

She credits her mentor, Michelle Johnson, program manager in CORD, whom she calls her “UAB mom” with supporting her and helping her to the finish line — the commencement stage.

“Watching Jacqueline grow has been one of those heartfelt moments for me. She has held her head high through every setback, never letting life’s challenges define her or set limits,” Johnson said. “Her resilience and her drive to keep going are genuinely inspiring.”

Now, Hernandez-Burgos eagerly anticipates stepping onto the commencement stage on Saturday, May 3, to receive her bachelor’s degree in biology from the College of Arts and Sciences— while her grandfather cheers her on from the crowd.

Hernandez-Burgos is thankful that UAB helped her complete her next step in her education journey and gave her grandfather his second chance at life. When asked what being a Blazer means to her, she said, “Coming together and showing up for one another.”