For Bay Area Summer Searcher Jasmin Rivas, the first year of college has been full of growth and affirmation that college is a place where she can thrive. Jasmin is the youngest of three siblings and a first– generation college student, having just completed her freshman year at Santa Clara University.
One of the ways Jasmin has found balance during her first year is through sports and staying active. A longtime soccer fan and runner, she joined three different intramural teams throughout the year, allowing her to meet new people while maintaining an important outlet for her physical and mental well-being.
Beyond athletics, Jasmin has become deeply involved in campus life through Hermanas Unidas, an organization focused on building community and empowering Latina students. As a freshman representative this past year (and soon-to-be community outreach leader in her sophomore year) she credits the organization with helping her find her place on campus:
“Hermanas really helped me find friends and sisterhood in the exchange from high school to university.”
As she looks ahead, Jasmin is excited for the opportunities that await her through Summer Search as a post-secondary student. Having already participated in transformative summer experiences, she hopes to continue stepping outside her comfort zone and developing skills that will prepare her for life after college. An important source of support has been Jasmin’s Summer Search mentor:
“Personally, my mentor has really helped me in my transition from high school to college. She is always willing to help and talk if I am feeling down or lost. She has kept me on track for all the big deadlines since freshman year, which can be stressful balancing work, personal life, and FAFSA and other college applications. I am very thankful for the relationship that we have built over the last four years now.”
One of Jasmin’s most memorable high school Summer Search experiences was her service trip to Panama. While working alongside local communities, she gained a new perspective on issues many people take for granted. One thing that stood out to her was realizing that access to water and other necessities is not to be taken for granted. The trip also reinforced the power of community, especially when being apart from her family for the first time.
Jasmin on her service trip to Panama
“Another thing that was a highlight from my trip was the people that I met on the trip. I made lots of friends and connections that made me feel less homesick…I still talk to my friends that I made in Panama, one even became my roommate for the first year of college.”
Jasmin’s college journey is off to a terrific start and we look forward to seeing her succeed over the next three years. Summer Search is committed to helping post-secondary students like Jasmin find their footing once they graduate through internship support, networking opportunities, and our Career Coach Program. Learn more about the Career Coach program here: https://summersearch.org/ccp/.