First gen Hispanic student Becerra leads by example
For Emmanuel Becerra, being the first in his family to attend college is more than a personal milestone, it’s a responsibility.
Born in New Rochelle, New York, Becerra was raised in Nederland, the senior biology major is the son of Mexican immigrant parents. He said their sacrifices are the driving force behind his educational journey.
“My parents definitely made me try really hard in school,” Becerra said. “They kind of forced me to study, since they didn’t have the same opportunities I have. They made me the person I am.”
A pre-med biology major, Becerra said he chose Lamar University for its strong biology program and proximity to home. He said he is using his time on campus to lay the groundwork for a career in the medical field.
But his ambitions go beyond his own success, he said, and he is determined to open doors for others.
As president of the Latino Medical Student Association, Becerra helps guide undergraduates who hope to pursue healthcare careers in nursing, dentistry, physician assistant programs, or medicine.
“We basically just help students who want to make a career in the medical field,” he said. “We give them mentorship and resources.”
Becerra said he understands firsthand how mentorship can shape a student’s path.
“When I came to Lamar, I had no idea what I was doing,” he said. “From where I started to where I am now, I’ve learned a lot. I feel like I have knowledge I can pass on to students who were like me when I first got here and didn’t know a lot.”
Sophomore Leyda De La Rosa, also a first-generation Mexican American student, said Becerra’s work ethic motivates her to stay focused on her own goals.
“Since the first time I met him, I’ve seen his dedication toward school,” she said. “He has shown me how to prioritize getting my diploma in the medical field.”
Junior Daniel Torres, a longtime friend, said Becerra is hard working, humble and ambitious about the things he wants to do in life.
“(I see) the determination in his eyes every time I see him,” Torres said.
Becerra’s volunteered for the LMSA presidency when he saw the organization beginning to lose momentum.
“It was something that me and a group of friends founded and that I was proud of, and I didn’t like to see it go down,” he said. “So, this semester, I decided to take over and bring up the club a little bit and help other students.”
Becerra said he hopes he can provide practical and inspiration guidance to Lamar University’s first-generation and Hispanic students.
“I think being a first-generation Hispanic student means a lot,” Becerra said. “It’s an opportunity that was given to me that has not been given to my parents.”
Emmanuel Becerra proves that student success is not just about reaching personal goals — it’s about lifting others along the way.