Scholar Spotlight
A prolific writer of poetry and song, Nate is a dynamic speaker and isn't shy about performing in front of an audience.
Scholars in the News
Reshma Tharani, 21, is part of a new breed of community college student
Jesyka Palmer
“Through all the hardships I have overcome, I can now say that it is I who drive the path towards success and make my future possible. I want the chance to prove that I deserve more and I am capable of attaining it…and I know I will.”
- Program: 2008 College Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Blissfield, MI
- Hometown: Adrian, MI
- Age: 18
- Four-year College or University: Wellesley College
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Languages, Liberal Arts, Writing / Journalism, English, Journalism
- Other Interests: Literature, Performing Arts / Theatre
Biography
HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUNG SCHOLAR EXPERIENCE: Jesyka has participated in numerous summer writing programs, including Literary Analysis Honors at Northwestern University, a week of Shakespearean study at Barnard College, and a week at Brown University learning the craft of essay writing. She also attended an intensive running camp at the University of Michigan and spent two weeks as an exchange student in Cuernavaca, Mexico studying Spanish.
PROFILE: As a high school freshman after her parents’ divorce, Jesyka took on the responsibility of helping her mother take care of her siblings. She rose to the challenge, relying on the strength of friendships and her love of running and writing. “It was through writing in particular that I began to overcome the emotional barriers that hindered my progress. I wrote my feelings on paper that I could never formulate into spoken words.” A talented writer, she also plays the piano and is fluent in Spanish.
INSPIRATION: Jesyka’s grandfather emigrated from Mexico to the United States to live a better life. To this day, she is motivated to achieve by those in her family who were held back by finances, lack of education, duty to family, and race. “I feel it is my duty to keep going, for those who labored in the black factories and red-juiced fields to see me reach this climax in my life.”
ASPIRATION: Jesyka dreams of becoming a writer. “My dream is to work with knowledge and ideas, not with pure physical labor like my ancestors before me.”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Jesyka has volunteered more than 400 hours of public service, including projects at senior homes, schools, churches, and as a mentor with the Girl Scouts of America.
ACCOLADES: Jesyka is a Congressional Award Silver Medalist in recognition of her volunteer public service, personal development, physical fitness, and exploration. She is a National Honor Society member and Girl Scouts of America Gold Award winner.
INTERESTING FACT: Jesyka wrote a one-act play as part of the Jack Kent Cooke Advanced Mentorship Program.
Other Scholars Like Jesyka
Le Aye
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
University of California, Los Angeles
Arthur Robinson Williams
Graduate Scholar
University of Pennsylvania
Malaika Sarco-Thomas
Graduate Scholar
Dartington College of Arts
Modupe Adepoju
College Scholar
Duke University