Weber State helps young father provide better future for his family
OGDEN, Utah — When Trini Gonzales became a father at age 17, his dream to become a Marine and attend college was eclipsed by a duty to care for his son.
“It frightened me,” Gonzales said. “I wasn't quite sure if I was ready for that responsibility, to raise a human being, to be a role model at a young age.”
Gonzales said he always hoped to provide his children with more than he had growing up. But as a teenage father, he found himself working “semi-decent” jobs to get by.
“Becoming a father at such a young age, that taught me so many life lessons early on,” Gonzales said. “But I still wanted to go on to college and provide a better future for my son.”
When his son was three, Gonzales decided to revisit his dream, minus the military: He enrolled at Weber State University to study microbiology and chemistry as the first step in his new plan to attend medical school.
On top of his studies, he worked full time at Hill Air Force Base, where he currently paints components for the F-16, C-130 and A-10 aircraft. During his last stretch at Weber State, Gonzales also welcomed his second child, a daughter, now one year old.
“I take pride in my family, and I want to provide for them in any way possible,” Gonzales said. “Weber State really helped me with that.”
Gonzales said he chose Weber State over other colleges because it was “family friendly.” WSU offered online classes and child care, professors worked with his busy schedule, and there were other family-focused students to lean on for support.
Somehow, he also found time for activities outside the classroom, although he was hesitant at first.
“My first instinct was to get to that finish line, don’t let anything distract me,” he said. “But pretty soon I felt like I needed to involve myself in extracurricular activities and clubs and organizations and events.”
Gonzales served as president of the Hispanic Area Council, which helps Hispanic and Latino students connect with the many resources available at WSU and helps them succeed in their college journey.
He also served as the WSU Student Association’s director of leadership and diversity for WSU Davis, and as treasurer for the National Society of Leadership and Success. Since 2021, he has led fundraising to support refugees and homeless youth, and completed over 150 hours of community service. 
“Being involved helps build your character,” Gonzales said. “It’s taught me a lot about leadership, teamwork, communication, socialization and a lot of other skills that will help me in life. Those are things that I’ve been able to apply as a father to my children.”
Eight years after becoming a father, Gonzales graduated with his bachelor’s degree, while his family looked on.
“I think my son is going to truly admire all my accomplishments and everything that I’ve done to be able to provide him and his sister a better life,” he said.
Next up, Gonzales is applying to medical school with the ultimate goal of specializing in cardiothoracic surgery — a field of medicine focused mainly on heart and lung health.
He said he’s proud of what he accomplished at Weber, both in and outside the classroom.
“Your voice really matters here at Weber State, no matter your background,” said Gonzales, now 25 and a proud family man. “Your unique background and personal experiences can be a source of strength and inspiration.”
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu- Contact:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu