Jennifer is currently completing prerequisite courses for admission to the nursing program at Alamance Community College. She is raising two sons, and works 40 hours a week as a school health technician and Spanish interpreter. She has wanted to become a nurse since she was 19 years old. Her journey has been marked by perseverance and compassion. Jennifer has served as a personal care provider for relatives with serious medical needs and has overcome her own difficult pregnancies. As a survivor of intimate partner violence, she has demonstrated resilience while building a safe, nurturing home for her children.
During a period that included the end of her marriage, her mother’s illness, and her grandmother’s passing, Jennifer confronted serious health concerns of her own. Determined to change, she improved her overall well-being, lost significant weight over the course of three years, and is now competing in strength sports.
As a bilingual Spanish-speaking school health technician, Jennifer advocates for students and families with cultural sensitivity and respect, helping to bridge communication gaps and reduce health disparities within her school community. Jennifer plans to use the award for tuition and books and to pay off credit card debt.