Words and phrases used to describe Jessica include, “mature, outgoing, well-respected, a true facilitator at heart, consistent and involved.”   While her GPA would suggest that she spends much of her time studying, this simply is not the case.  For the past four years she has been involved in both the TRIO Upward Bound program and College Track in an effort to prepare herself for college.  She has also been part of the San Mateo Youth Commission and last year was elected as the co-chair.  Jessica was awarded the Upward Bound Student of the Year Award and the 2011 San Mateo County Young Woman of Excellence Award.  All this while working over 21 hours per week.  Jessica is excited about going to college because as she says, “I will make a difference in this world.”  She already has and no doubt everyone at Santa Clara University will recognize this.