Every summer before the start of the school year, Alison Jimenez would head to the Westminster Free Clinic in Thousand Oaks with her family to get a health checkup and a backpack filled with school supplies. Her parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico and didn’t fully understand what their English-speaking doctors were saying. Because the clinic was short on Spanish-speaking staff, there was much lost in translation. Little did Alison know that one day she would be the one providing translations and care at the same clinic she relied on as a child. 

Born and raised in Moorpark, Alison is about to graduate from Moorpark High School. She said seeing her grandparents’ less-than-healthy eating habits was a real wake-up call that sparked her interest in public health. “Health education is necessary for someone to really take care of their body and overall health long-term, not just short-term.” 

During her sophomore year, she was thrilled to learn about an opportunity for an internship at the Westminster Clinic. She recalls being put right to work as a translator thanks to her bilingual skills. Now in the second year of her internship, she’s been promoted to a manager responsible for ensuring that patients are seen in a timely manner. 

Alison is the second-youngest of four siblings and has always been motivated by her family. “I think a big part of it was knowing that I would take opportunities,” she said. “My parents always told me to do my best and to know that we'll be proud of you.” While the language barrier prevented them from helping her with her coursework, which included twelve AP classes, she’s incredibly grateful for the sacrifices they made to set their children up for success. She also appreciates her older siblings for supporting her on her academic journey. 

Today, Alison’s parents are extremely proud as she prepares to enroll at UCLA to study molecular, cell, and developmental biology. She remembers the emotion of bringing her family to UCLA’s “Bruins Unidos” event, which featured a Spanish-language tour filled with activities, including dancing to her parents’ favorite songs. “It was really fulfilling to see them so happy and at peace to see me going into a safe community,” she said. 

This summer, Alison will have an internship at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, where she’ll be able to take her expertise to the next level. She said it’s all thanks to her Moorpark High School counselor, Belen Soriano, who advocated for her every step of the way. “I’m very grateful to her. All of the opportunities I have come back to Ms. Soriano.” 

Alison encourages other first-generation students to take advantage of all that school has to offer. “Pursue lots of different things that are calling your name,” she said. “Reach for them and fulfill them to your best potential.”

More Stories from the Ventura County Class of 2026 Coming Soon