Jorge Aragon

What started out as a journey full of doubt, today Jorge has started his journey in Medical School at The University of Kansas School of Medicine. An accomplishment not possible without the support of an incredible mom, an amazing fraternity group and the drive to change the world for those who follow.

Growing up in Wyandotte County, Medical School wasn’t something Jorge had ever even considered. He recalls, he found himself surrounded by brilliant students at Sumner Academy but yet felt like he never measured up. His thought process was often of: I’d rather be mediocre and fail than try my hardest and be disappointed if things didn’t work out. While today he sees things very differently, he acknowledges the lack of exposure to people who looked like him and who held roles such as doctors or lawyers or engineers, definitely shaped how he showed up. Despite this, with the support of HDF and KC Scholars, Jorge went on to enroll at the University of Kansas.

Feeling like he needed to prove himself, Jorge dove in head first at KU, signing up to be part of multiple leadership opportunities. Beginning with his time as President of FIRST, Fearless Individuals Reaching Success Together, a First-Gen Student Group providing a sense of belonging and mentorship. Jorge also joined the Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc. The only Latino Based Fraternity at KU. Within these groups, Jorge quickly learned that giving back and working in community is something that fills his cup. Last year, through the Phiotas, Jorge and his brothers raised a record $12,460 for HDF’s Cambio Para Cambio, winning the college division for the first time.

While it won’t be for another several years until he can officially call himself a doctor, Jorge aims to continue to give back to his community in the best way he can. Eventually, the dream is to have a clinic in the KCK area that supports low to moderate income families, where folks can feel safe and language is not a barrier for care. He points out, as many know, in our community healthcare is something that can be costly and unless someone is in a dire situation, not something that is sought out. Until then, you can find Jorge supporting work like that of JayDoc near the Armourdale neighborhood.

Now a graduate of KU, with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB), and a minor in Spanish, Jorge looks back and recognizes that he was always capable. He emphasizes for those who are struggling, to stay the course and to not let what’s going on in our country stop you from getting your education. Echoing those before him, he encourages students to ask questions and to not be afraid to ask for help.

For those interested in pursuing the medical field, Jorge is all ears and is happy to answer any questions.