Joc Rivera
Graduation Year – May 2026
Hometown – Newport News, VA
What are your major(s) and minor(s)? –Cellular, molecular, and physiological biology
What are your educational and/or career goals? How do you see your participation in the Bonner program relating to them? – Med school! I would love to help educate young people about medical things and their bodies, and how to take care of them early!
What is your service site and service track(s)? – NATASHA House; Hunger & Housing, Youth Development & Education
Other than Bonner and your service site, what organizations are you involved with (on and/or off campus)? – I am in ASA and in the Air National Guard as a medic.
Why did you want to become a Bonner Service Scholar? – I wanted to give back to the community I grew up in!
What is your favorite experience that the Bonner Program has given you? – My B12 cohort best friends!
What advice would you give to a new Bonner to help them get the most out of the program? – Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable with each other!!
What have you learned about yourself from being a Bonner? – Time management is a huge thing in my life.
What do you think your role is in creating social change? What do you see yourself doing in the future to further your role? – Educating young people on their bodies and how to prevent sickness & health issues early on, resulting in a better life and bettering financial stability for health purposes.
What are your hobbies and/or interests (outside of academics and Bonner)? –I love working out, cooking, going out to eat, and shopping!
List your favorite: book, movie, musician/band, food, and quote – Favorite book: Verity; Favorite movie: Hypnotic; Favorite musician: Summer Walker; Favorite food: Sushi; Favorite quote: “You Only Live Once”
Share a fun fact – I can assemble & disassemble an M4 in less than 60 seconds.