By Dave Scheiber
Julio Blanco III and his parents Claudia Blanco and Julio Blanco Jr.
There was a time when Julio Blanco III could never have imagined the bold path he would one day travel as a first-generation student at the 51在线. Blanco grew up in a family that was homeless for a time, with parents who worked hard to get back on their feet. The experience instilled in him a spirit of determination to make the most of his chance to thrive and pursue a long-held goal.
That opportunity has come in the form of a pre-med education as a biomedical anthropology major and Pell Grant recipient at USF. It also led to his commitment to becoming a doctor and help those facing serious needs, as he and his family once did.
鈥淚 wanted to be a doctor since I could remember,鈥� Blanco said. 鈥淢y superheroes were doctors. I think part of me is so passionate about it because I get to experience something that I didn鈥檛 when I was little. People with low socioeconomic status, poor people, don鈥檛 grow up with their pediatricians.鈥�
鈥淚鈥檝e been through enough to know that if I want to achieve something, I鈥檓 going to have to look adversity in the face and say I鈥檓 not going to settle. I have worked super hard to get where I鈥檓 at right now. My time at USF has been absolutely amazing.鈥�
But the challenges that Blanco faced as a child only served to fortify his resolve. He has been awarded several merit-based scholarships, including Bright Futures and Fulbright, and will graduate this spring magna cum laude. Following commencement, he will serve as a research assistant at Dartmouth College where his focus is on investigating the correlation between cesarean sections, cortisol levels and maternal and early childhood stress.
Blanco has led several student organizations, such as the student chapter of the American Red Cross and others dedicated to advancing the knowledge and support for future physicians. He's utilized many of USF鈥檚 student success resources, including the Counseling Center, which helped him navigate through a difficult chapter following the sudden death of his cousin.
His experience as a Bull has included the chance to travel on medical mission trips, do meaningful volunteer work and provide compassionate care to young children. And that, in turn, has provided Blanco a glimpse of what is possible in his life on the road ahead.
Julio volunteered for several medical mission trips
Volunteered for the American Red Cross
Participated in several clean-up efforts
鈥淲hen I think of USF, I think of success and I think of hope,鈥� he said. 鈥淯SF has been vital in helping me throughout these past few years. And after my time at USF, I鈥檒l be a research assistant, and then after that, medical school and eventually become a doctor. I think my future looks extremely promising 鈥� and it is thanks to USF for that.鈥�
It鈥檚 where he has learned the power of education as the first in his family to attend college 鈥� and the power of being bold.