04/16/2022
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Introducing Jacqueline Resto “TRIO has meant so much to me as a non-traditional, first-generation college student.”
Jacqueline is working towards her Associate in Arts in Science in Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, and Atmospheric Sciences and plans to transfer to the University of Washington to obtain her degree in Earth and Space Sciences and hopes to work as an Atmospheric and Space Scientist for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
When Jacqueline was accepted to the University of Florida in 1994, she decided not to attend because she felt it was important to stay home and help her mother take care of her younger siblings. She later became a certified ophthalmic assistant, married, and had two children. Jacqueline never forgot her dream to attend college and promised herself that she would go back to school one day. Her dream came true, fall quarter of 2019 when she started working towards her associate's degree at Edmonds College.
“Sometimes we underestimate ourselves because of our age”, Jacqueline said. "But because I was older, I took it more seriously, and I didn't have time to repeat classes. I knew what it's like not to have a good-paying job. It's been hard at times. When the pandemic started, I was taking my classes online, homeschooling my elementary-aged children, and recovering from knee surgery all at the same time. I've had nights when I wiped away my tears and then worked on the following math equation and the next, one small step at a time.”
TRIO has meant so much to me as a non-traditional, first-generation college student." There is always someone willing to help at the TRIO Center or ask, "How are you doing today?" On stressful days, I never had to think twice about finding a place where I could sit and breathe because I knew I was at home in the TRIO Center. TRIO has been family since 2019, when I first met Shawn Brennan and felt his welcoming demeanor. Having personalized tutoring services has been priceless and has contributed to my continued academic success. I have witnessed how TRIO services significantly impact student success, as I am a living testimony. I was selected as one of 25,000 applicants worldwide. Currently, I am completing my third consecutive internship. "TRIO, watch out; this woman is going to Mars!"