What is your name?

Braeden Jones

Where did you attend school?

University of California – Berkeley

What degree/certificate did you achieve?

Bachelor’s of Arts (BA)- Integrative Biology

Can you summarize your educational background?

I attended Geronimo Public Schools from Pre-K through 12th grade in Geronimo, Oklahoma, and graduated from Geronimo High School in 2021. That fall, I began my undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where I majored in Integrative Biology. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in 2025.

Describe your most rewarding college experience?

One of my most rewarding college experiences actually happened before college even started—being accepted into UC Berkeley, my dream school. Coming from a small town in Oklahoma, I worked incredibly hard to become a competitive applicant, but I still doubted whether it would be enough. Opening that acceptance letter was an unforgettable moment—not just for me, but for my entire family. It felt like a shared victory, a reward for all the sacrifices and support they gave me along the way.

That moment validated all our hard work and marked the beginning of an incredible journey.

What are your future plans?

My future plans include returning to Oklahoma to attend an MCAT prep program at the OU-TU School of Community Medicine. After preparing for and earning a strong MCAT score, I plan to apply to medical schools with the goal of pursuing an M.D. to become an anesthesiologist. Ultimately, I hope to work for the Indian Health Service (IHS), serving Native communities in Arizona, Oklahoma, or wherever the need is greatest.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next ten years?

Over the next ten years, I hope to earn my M.D. and begin serving with the Indian Health Service. My goal is to build a home on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) reservation, where I can integrate myself into the community and give back by providing care through medicine.

Who or what influenced you to go to school?

My family has supported and encouraged my educational journey every step of the way. Their influence helped carry me through tough exams, long assignments, and the many stressful moments that come with being a student. When everything felt overwhelming, they were always there to remind me that it was okay—that it wasn’t the end of the world. I’m proud to have achieved this milestone alongside them, because their support made it all possible.

Did you face any obstacles while attending college/university, and how did you get through it?

The main obstacle I faced while attending UC Berkeley was the cost of attendance. My estimated annual cost of living was around $75,000, and without the support of scholarships from Salt River Higher Education, the Cobell Scholarship, the IHS Scholarship, and the Science Post-Graduate Scholarship Fund (SPGSF), attending my dream school would not have been possible. I’m forever grateful for these resources and hope more students become aware of the opportunities they provide.

These scholarships didn’t just help me attend UC Berkeley—they also lifted the financial burdens that come with being a student, including food security, the cost of books and supplies, and all the other everyday expenses that impact a student’s ability to succeed. I truly believe that without their support, not only would I have been unable to attend UC Berkeley, but my academic performance would have suffered as well.

What advice would you give people considering higher education?

I always say the first semester is the hardest. The transition from home to college is challenging—it’s a time when you’re learning discipline, adjusting to a new routine, tackling unfamiliar content, and trying to build a new community all at once. It can feel overwhelming. But if you can make it through that first semester, just know it gets easier, more fun, and ultimately becomes one of the best experiences of your life.

Is there anyone you would like to thank?

I would like to thank my friends, family, teammates, coaches, teachers, professors, mentors, and the many community members from the various communities I’m proud to be a part of. Every person I’ve met has played an important role in helping me along this journey.

A very special thank you to the Native American Student Development (NASD) office at UC Berkeley—not only for providing housing during my freshman year, but for offering a strong, supportive community throughout all four years of my undergraduate experience. Your guidance and presence made a lasting impact on my time at Berkeley.

Who are your parents and grandparents?

My father is Brendan Jones, and my mother is DeAnna Pewo. My paternal grandparents are Anna Marie Jones and Elton Jones. My maternal grandparents are the late Mary Pewo and the late Dennis Pewo.