Personal Success Stories

LIVING HER DREAM: STUDENT WINS SOROPTIMIST AWARD

Citrus College student Jessica Gusman describes herself as many things: mother, daughter, softball coach, football team mom and college student. Now, Jessica is well on her way to adding another title to her list: college graduate.

To help further her higher education aspirations, Jessica recently received the Live Your Dream Award from Soroptimist International of Azusa-Glendora. The award, which includes a $1,500 prize, assists women who are the primary source of financial support for their families by helping them obtain the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in, or have been accepted to, a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program, and demonstrate financial need.

Following high school, Jessica attempted to support herself while attending college. Overwhelmed with financial challenges, Jessica was forced to drop out. She eventually returned to school and trained as a dental assistant. In 2016, with two young children to support, Jessica was laid off from her job. She turned that setback into an opportunity, however, and returned to college to pursue her dream of earning a bachelor's degree.

Today, Jessica maintains a 4.0 GPA at Citrus College. She plans to transfer to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and pursue a bachelor's degree in business, with a focus on human resources management. "The many support services offered by Citrus College, along with the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award, have helped me further my educational goals. I feel grateful and blessed for these opportunities."

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