His Dream School Awaits: McFarland High Grad Jose Vasquez Bound for Stanford

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First-generation students, often referred to as “first-gens,” are college-bound individuals whose parents did not pursue higher education. This significant milestone represents a break from familial and often socio-economic traditions, symbolizing hope, perseverance, and the pursuit of greater opportunities. For many first-gens, the journey to higher education is fraught with unique challenges and triumphs. Below is one in a series of stories about Kern County first-gens as they embark on the next chapters of their lives.

To nominate someone for a story in this series, please reach out to communcations@kern.org

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Jose Vasquez was cleaning his bedroom recently and discovered a project he did in junior high. As he gazed down at the relic, which affirmed his dream to attend Stanford one day, he was overcome with pride. That dream will become a reality for the recent McFarland High School graduate this September. 

As a first-generation college student, Vasquez was accepted into all nine of the California universities he applied to, but Stanford was an easy choice.  

“It was the college I always wanted to go to,” he said. “It was always a school where I felt I would fit in.”

Vasquez got into his dream school and also achieved great success in high school, graduating top-ranked in his class and with an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Spanish. He was able to complete college-level courses as part of McFarland High’s Early College Program.

McFarland High has partnered with Bakersfield College (BC) and the Kern Community College District to enroll every new student into collegiate classes. Students choose a pathway in academic or vocational fields that aligns with their interests. Depending on the coursework chosen, students can graduate not only with their high school diploma but also with an AA degree, a certification, or up to 60 college credits (read more here).

The strong foundation of support from McFarland High teachers and staff gave Vasquez the confidence to take on the rigorous coursework that awaits him at Stanford. Starting freshman year, he and his classmates took introductory college courses alongside standard high school curriculum. This integration will make the transition to university feel more natural.

“It just felt so seamless. It feels like a continuation of what we’ve already started,” Vasquez explained. “I personally feel confident. I don’t really feel that worried about entering college because I already know how the base of it works and how to navigate that.”

His achievements go beyond academic success. Vasquez participated in several clubs and organizations, including student council and even graduated as ASB president. He also enjoyed several sports, including cross country, basketball and track and field. He says he is grateful for the unique experiences at McFarland High.

Vasquez with his cross country team and ASB group.

For Vasquez, the dual enrollment classes he took in high school demonstrated his adaptability and perseverance, gave him a sense of achievement and motivation and removed the fear associated with college.

“For a lot of people, when you hear about college, it can be scary because you don’t really know what you’re getting yourself into,” Vasquez explained. “Taking these dual enrollment classes, it’s given everyone a little bit of confidence.”

Despite being a first-generation college student, a thirst for higher education runs in the family. Vasquez’s sister is finishing her final year at UCLA. He says his family and community drove him to reach for more.

“Especially in McFarland, a lot of people aren’t super comfortable with taking education to a further level because of their economic status,” Vasquez explained. “As a community, we could do anything we set our minds to.”

Bolstered by this community love, support and confidence, Vasquez says he was motivated to push himself harder and strive for excellence, not just for himself, but to be a representative of his community.

Vasquez says he is proud to represent McFarland at Stanford University.

“It’s really led to this moment where I’m able to feel like I accomplished what I was supposed to do,” he said. “That’s a really big part of our community and what makes this really special.”

Vasquez is excited to explore new opportunities at Stanford. For the first time, he will be venturing outside his small hometown and living somewhere new. He’s looking forward to what campus life will bring.

“I’m really excited to be able to explore everything they have to offer,” he said. “Obviously, the classes are going to be the main focus, but I’m also really looking forward to having fun and experiencing everything.”

Looking forward, Vasquez hopes to inspire others to pursue higher education, including his younger sister, who is starting at McFarland High. He says the Early College Program allows for opportunities that kids might not get anywhere else, but you have to believe in yourself and work hard.

“Keep up the work and have that confidence in yourself to say ‘you can do it’,” he said.