Jennifer

Jennifer has been carrying adult-size responsibilities on her shoulders since she was 13 years old. That’s when her mother was diagnosed with an illness, and Jennifer stepped into the ongoing role of helping to care for her family. She has balanced her responsibilities at home with those at school, including as co-captain of the soccer team. Having succeeded on all fronts, she is heading to college to become a civil engineer.

One of her teachers wrote that Jennifer has achieved “great success in both work and play. Her maturity, motivation, and curiosity will ensure that she gets the most out of her college experience.”

Jennifer wrote that having so much responsibility has caused her to view the world from different perspectives. “I can take the advice of my peers and find more time to enjoy small moments, but I can also understand the realities of adulthood and the different pressures and choices people older than me face.” She says she is “proud of the person I have become and hope to be a guide for my siblings and friends, who are right behind me.”

Her college counselor says that Jennifer is already the guide she hopes to be.

“This year, when Jennifer’s younger sister started at our school, I have observed the many ways that she has been serving as a mentor to her,” the counselor wrote. “For instance, Jennifer took it upon herself to introduce her younger sister to me and has been advising her on what programs she should apply for at our school. I have also seen this same care and concern for others when Jennifer mentors her teammates and encourages them to do their best.”

Ms. Lehman, my English teacher, has been my biggest supporter ever since she taught me my sophomore year. Even when I thought everything was falling apart, she guided me through my hardships and helped me become the person I am today.