• 2011 Katie Harrick/BHSDG High Hopes Scholarship recipient
• University of California, Santa Cruz

Ever since I can remember, my parents have worked hard to make ends meet. My mom does not have time to cook and clean because her work as a custodian leaves her exhausted. It has been more than a year since my father was laid off. His medication for his illness, epilepsy, makes him drowsy, so he is unable to help around the house. My oldest sister and I have always taken care of all the household chores including dinner before my parents get home from work. Now that my sister is in college, this responsibility is now placed solely on me. After dinner, I clean the table, wash dishes, pack a lunch for my mom and make sure that my father takes his medicine. Since I have a younger sister, I have to makes sure she understands her homework. Only then, I can begin my homework for my AP classes.  Watching the struggles that my parents face everyday has made me see what I want in life. Pursuing a higher education will guarantee that I can be independent and self-sufficient.

“Jasmin’s willingness to work hard has contributed to her academic success. She is a bright, motivated and disciplined student dedicated to her studies. She is not one to take short cuts; instead she devotes countless hours studying to achieve academic success.”

Teacher, Berkeley High School