Bryan Vazquez remembers spending his summer breaks working alongside his single mother in the fields of Dinuba.
“My mom could barely pay the bills on her own,” Vazquez said. “That’s the drive that made me want to do better. Pursuing higher education is not just for myself but my family, too.”
The pandemic made Vazquez’s first year as a psychology major in college challenging, transforming what was expected to be a conventional college experience into a completely virtual one.
“My first year was entirely online, and I had no guidance on navigating college as a first-generation student,” Vazquez said. “I remember my first semester not knowing what psychology classes to take or even general education requirements because resources were hard to find on a screen.”
The passing of his older brother earlier this year marked a profound period of grief and reflection for him. Losing a sibling who had taken a different path in life, one fraught with difficulties and early departure, added a deep emotional layer to Vazquez’s college experience, he said.
“During the school year we would hardly see each other due to him being years older than me, so my summer breaks gave me the opportunity to bond with him,” Vazquez said. “We would spend summer nights riding our bikes around the neighborhood and visiting the Kings River, and now I find myself driving by all the places we’d visit, and then I start reminiscing about those good times I spent with him.”
Amidst this personal turmoil, Vazquez found solace and unwavering support within the brotherhood of Nu Alpha Kappa, also known as NAK.
The Latino-based fraternity at Fresno State prides itself on academics, brotherhood and cultural awareness, Vazquez said. Despite some public misconceptions about Greek life, he said he found a true sense of brotherhood and support within Nu Alpha Kappa.
“I think it’s a beautiful thing to know that I have someone to call or text when I need support,” Vazquez said. “They’ve shown me the brotherhood that I lost. My pledge brothers are really my family away from home.”
His involvement deepened quickly, leading him to run for vice president after his first year. One of the most memorable moments for Vazquez was helping organize Nu Alpha Kappa’s annual philanthropic event, NAK Land.
“Our annual philanthropic event that we do is one of the greatest ways for us to be able to connect with the community,” Vazquez said. “It’s a carnival event free for all, and it is so rewarding seeing the smiles of the children that come”
These experiences led him to feel safe enough to come out as gay to his brothers. Their unconditional support and acceptance not only strengthened his sense of security but profoundly deepened his bond with the members.
“It was my safe space,” Vazquez said. “I come from Mexican culture, so being able to come out to a fraternity that had the same culture as I did was so beautiful.”
As he approaches the culmination of his undergraduate journey, Vazquez has earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology. The College of Science and Mathematics commencement ceremony is at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at the Save Mart Center.
Vazquez looks to the future, planning on pursuing a master’s degree in social work. He sees himself continuing his philanthropic work, conducting workshops, and fostering environments that uplift those in need, especially younger generations. His experiences in Nu Alpha Kappa and the support from his family have shaped his aspirations.
“Although I had a difficult time growing up, my mom has always been the greatest parent,” Vazquez said. “Every single aspect of this journey to Fresno State has been worth it and is all dedicated to her.”
As for the impact he hopes to have, Vazquez is clear. “By telling my story, I could help people know that you aren’t alone,” he said. He advises other first-generation students or those facing significant hurdles, “It’s very easy to quit, but it’s a little harder to keep going.”
(Story by Katie Xiong, student assistant in University Marketing and Communications)
