As the first generation to go to college in her family, Jessica’s passion for biomedical engineering was ignited when her father was diagnosed with a heart condition and his doctor invited her to hold the medical device that would save his life. Jessica, valedictorian of her high school, she was also incredibly involved with Key Club, where she received the District Distinguished President award and worked with nearly 200 clubs in her district, in addition to helping charter new service clubs. She said: “after volunteering at events, I realized the beauty of my city and the people within it, that even young minds are capable of enacting change. Yet, this beauty is only made possible by the love and care put forth by ourselves; we’re byproducts of our communities, after all. I learned that the true meaning of service was not in the immediate results or in the recognition given for my help, but the resonating impact I leave for the future.”
Jessica is also a fearless competitor – she decided to become a coxswain on her school’s rowing team but did not know how to swim. Recruiting a friend to give her swimming lessons at 4 a.m. before practice, she overcame her fears and earned a spot on the team.
