Last weekend, I met an extraordinary girl who bravely shared her story with me. Jessica is a senior at Arlington high school and currently has a 4.2 GPA. Jessica is a student board member for RUSD, President of Las Hermanas, president of the Link Crew’s academics committee, and President of the Peer Wellness Educators Club. Jessica is also a member of the California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society. She has been enrolled in several Advanced Placement courses since her 8th grade year and is currently enrolled in the RCC Dual Enrollment program. In addition to all of this, she is a friend to all and has a heart of gold.

Jessica graduates in May and has been accepted to many incredible colleges, including her dream school, UC Berkeley. She received a 75% scholarship for room and board but shared that she can’t afford the remaining 25% and will be staying local for college.

Jessica has worked tirelessly and supported so many students in our community, and I’d love to help her. Whether we can come together and get her into Berkeley or send her to CBU with money for books and supplies, every penny will help. She is so deserving.