Jose Leon Rewrites His Story at Aims

In just a few years, he did just that. Jose is the first in his family to attend college, a milestone he shares with his brother, who also enrolled at Aims. College opened the door to career pathways that hadn’t previously been within reach, offering not just education but also the potential for stability, higher-earning opportunities and expanded horizons. For Jose, that responsibility carries weight. His journey isn’t only about his own success, but about helping redefine what the future can look like for his family. 

In May 2026, Jose will complete an Associate Degree in English. He plans to further his education at the University of Colorado Boulder. With these accomplishments on the horizon, he’s helping set a new precedent, showing what’s possible and creating a path others in his family can follow.

Returning to School and Thriving

In high school, Jose struggled to stay engaged, finishing with a 1.6 GPA and a lingering sense that school simply wasn’t where he thrived. That type of performance is equivalent to a C- or D+ average. Jose describes his high school self as disengaged and unfocused, often showing up late and skipping class, admitting that he put in minimal effort into his studies and had the grades to show it. In 2020, he graduated from Northridge High School in Greeley.

Jose then entered the workforce, spending years in physically demanding jobs that offered little room for advancement. “The only prospects for growth I had were how I could grow at the job,” he said. “Maybe I could learn a new skill or make a few dollars more an hour. College didn’t enter my mind at all.”

After a few years, Jose’s perspective began to shift. His grueling work routine eventually caught up with him. Sometimes he thought about returning to school as a passing thought and it slowly morphed into something more persistent. Eventually, Jose made a decision that would redefine his path. He enrolled at Aims.

As a new student, his direction wasn’t clear. Aims provided him space to explore. Jose moved from political science and communications to an English degree. It is an academic area that has been aligned with his strengths all along.

Jose had always wanted to be a storyteller and through his studies, that goal began to feel tangible. What once felt out of reach started to take shape as a future, one that could include careers in communication, public relations, or even academia. “I’ve always been a writer and a daydreamer,” he admitted. “The English major lets me really understand the craft in a structured way.” Through his classes, Jose found his stride in courses that require research, argumentation and composition.

Jose’s academic success didn’t happen all at once. It was built over time, through consistency and small, steady improvements. 

“Growth does not happen overnight, but even becoming one percent better is still progress in the right direction.”

That mindset carried him through challenges: learning to manage stress, stay disciplined and push through moments of doubt. By leaning into his strengths in writing and critical thinking, Jose transformed his academic experience, proving to himself that he was capable of far more than he once believed. He is now a member of Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society that requires a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. He says that it is a far cry from where he once was, now achieving high grades.

Jose felt like he was meant to be at Aims. That sense of belonging, paired with the college’s accessibility and support, created an environment where he could rebuild his confidence.

He didn’t just benefit from Aims’ ecosystem of support and camaraderie; he became part of it.

Giving and Receiving Support

For someone who once struggled with educational engagement, choosing to get involved and step outside his comfort zone became one of the most important decisions Jose made at Aims.

He regularly attended campus events to learn about his options and find opportunities. Jose was intentional about it, using each event to gain knowledge and build confidence about his next steps.

Jose’s momentum at Aims was strengthened by his selection into the Reisher Bridge Scholars Program. The initiative is designed to help community college students complete their degrees and transfer into a four-year university. As part of the program, Jose received scholarship support, one-on-one coaching and guidance during the transfer process. It gave him direct connections to universities, such as CU Boulder. This program provided structure for his next step, with the opportunity for additional scholarship support as he works toward his bachelor’s degree. 

Saeda Quist is the Success Coach for Reisher Bridge Scholars Program she says that she’s been honored to be a part of Jose’s journey. “Jose is an absolutely incredible person, not only to work with but also to know as a human,” she said. “Jose has the unique strength of approaching complex situations with not only professionalism and wisdom, but also humor. He brings a lightness to the world in a way that is uniquely his. I am so excited to see where he chooses to take his talents.”

TRIO Student Support Services empowers first-generation, low-income students to achieve academic success and graduate. At institutions like Aims, free resources such as academic advising, tutoring, financial literacy training and career readiness help underrepresented students navigate higher education. Through TRIO, Jose found more than support; he found community. The program connected him with staff and peers who understood his experience and helped him navigate college with confidence. Regular guidance and encouragement kept him accountable, while also reminding him that he belonged in the classroom. 

Another way Jose connected on campus was through his work study position in Advising, contributing to the same system that supported him.

As a student advising mentor, he works directly with students navigating the early stages of college, answering questions and helping them understand unfamiliar processes. “A lot of students come in not knowing where to start, and I’ve been in that position before,” he said. Drawing from his own experience, Jose approaches each interaction with patience and understanding, meeting students where they are and helping them move forward. He assists peers with registration, class selection, college processes and more. 

Jose found that he enjoys being in a front-facing role and assisting others. “I like being able to talk to students and help them figure things out,” he said. “It’s nice being able to connect with people and make them feel more comfortable.”

The role has not only allowed him to give back, but to recognize his own growth, shifting from someone once unsure of his place in college to someone helping others find theirs.

His supervisor in Advising is Student Success Coach Azanet Rodriguez. She calls Jose “a leader” and can’t wait to see what he is going to accomplish. Rodriguez has advice for Jose as he moves forward: “never compare yourself to anyone, because you have unique abilities.” 

Moving Ahead with Confidence 

As graduation nears, Jose describes his Aims experience simply:

 “A blessing, a second chance and the beginning of a better future.”

His higher education journey so far hasn't been without challenges. He faced financial instability, struggled with time management and procrastination and worked through moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Balancing school, work and personal responsibilities wasn’t easy. But instead of stepping back, he learned to move through those obstacles with intention, preparing him for what comes next. “Admitting that I was stressed, burnt out or discouraged was not a weakness,” he said.

Working through obstacles prepared him for his next step. As he looks ahead to the University of Colorado Boulder, Jose is stepping into the unknown, something that would have once held him back. For Jose, that uncertainty is part of the appeal. He’s looking forward to stepping outside his comfort zone, building new connections and continuing to grow.