Jazmin’s journey to graduation in May 2026 from the University of St. Francis is a story shaped by resilience, opportunity, and the power of being seen and supported.
For Jazmin, college was never a given. In fact, it was something that once felt out of reach. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago in a low-income household, she came to the United States as an infant and was raised in a family where survival often came first. Her parents, who never had the opportunity to attend school, worked tirelessly to support the family by selling elotes, tamales, raspados, and whatever else they could to get by. In that environment, higher education often felt financially impossible.
“As a woman, a Latina, a DACA Dreamer, and someone who grew up low-income, it often felt like society had already decided my future for me,” she reflected. “Money was always the biggest barrier… paying for college felt impossible.”
Still, Jazmin carried an early curiosity about understanding people and emotions, especially as she navigated her own experiences with anxiety. That interest eventually grew into a passion for industrial-organizational psychology, where she could combine psychology and business to help create healthier, more supportive workplaces. “I realized this field was the perfect mix of psychology and business for me. I want to help create workplaces where people feel supported, valued, and understood.”
Her path began to shift when she discovered opportunities through the Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI) and scholarship support programs such as STAR Scholarship and TheDream.US. For the first time, college felt tangible, not just a distant hope, but a real possibility. “It made me feel like someone sees me; someone believes in me and sees me as capable, intelligent, and able to make a difference.”
That belief became a turning point. With the support of counselors, advisors, professors, tutors, friends, and family, Jazmin pushed forward even when the challenges were overwhelming. There were long commutes, sometimes totaling a three-hour round trip, full-time work while attending school full-time, language barriers, and moments of doubt when she questioned whether she could continue. “There were times where I felt like I could not handle everything, and I seriously thought about giving up. But I kept going, and that is what I am most proud of.”
What sustained her was not only determination, but also the support system built through her scholarship experience and ACI community. Attending the ACI Breakfast Forum further expanded her perspective, allowing her to see firsthand the collaboration behind student success and giving her the rare opportunity to network and sit alongside board members. “It showed me there are many kind souls who truly want the best for students,” she said. “This also gave me the opportunity to network, which inspired me.”
That experience helped her understand the broader impact of support programs. “This scholarship has shown me that it is more than financial support; it is networking, guidance, and people who want to see you succeed.”
By the time Jazmin graduated in May 2026, her degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, with a minor in Values-Based Management, represented much more than just an academic achievement. “This accomplishment means so much to me. It symbolizes resilience, strength, sacrifice, kindness, and the power of unity and support. It represents hope for immigrants, DACA recipients, and low-income students who aspire to a better future. It shows that the impossible can become possible.”
Her journey has also reshaped her ambitions. What once centered on simply getting through college has evolved into a deeper vision for leadership and impact. Jazmin plans to continue her education, pursue an MBA, and eventually a master’s in business analytics, with a focus on building inclusive, people-centered organizations. “Now, I want more. I want to do something meaningful. I want to make an impact in organizations and in people’s lives.”
Most importantly, she is committed to paying it forward. “This scholarship made me want to be that support for someone else,” she said. “When you help one person, you are helping a whole family.”
Her message to others facing uncertainty is simple and direct: “Just do it. There are more opportunities out there than you think. Sometimes all it takes is one opportunity to completely change your path.”
Jazmin’s story is a reminder that when students are given access, belief, and community, graduation is not just an ending, but a beginning; the beginning of a future they once thought was impossible.