"MJC helped me come out of my shell and build my social skills. I was a bit shy in high school and MJC has given me the opportunity to mature. My experience has changed the way I see myself, school and the people around me."

Jennifer is chosen to make the most of her time at Modesto Junior College by packing in as many units and activities as time allowed. She knew college offered a precious time for exploring, stretching herself in new directions and learning as much as she could. Not many MJC students can successfully carry 18, 19 or 21 units each semester, and still find a way to pole vault for the Track Team and become a championship debater on the Speech Team!  Jennifer also tried to fit in the Alpha Gamma Sigma honor society and the Tennis Team her first year at MJC, but admits that the demands of homework and weekend speech tournaments forced her to eventually sacrifice those two extra-curricular pursuits.

Born in Southern California, Jennifer was raised on the coast of Mexico until she was in the 5th grade. Relocating with her family to Modesto, she was forced to learn English and adjust to a whole new culture. While these adjustments were never easy, she was always motivated by an innate love for learning that persists to this day.

During her second year on the MJC Speech Team, Jennifer competed in a variety of forensic categories. While she and her Parliamentary Debate partner won 3rd Place in the nation, she claims to have enjoyed Informative Speaking most, because it provided the chance to research and learn about something new.  She got an inside glimpse into how television news is generated during a summer internship at Univision - Channel 19 in Sacramento and now is interested in pursuing a career as a TV news anchor someday.  Jennifer's competitive forensics skills earned her a full ride scholarship to Univeristy of the Pacific and she transferred there after her 2008 spring semester to obtain a BA Degree in Communications and participate in UOP's outstanding speech team.  MJC prepared Jennifer well for her next level of speech competition. "I've had great instructors at MJC, and Dr. Ewing and Professor Guy, are really good speech coaches. When I came here I had no idea that MJC's speech team competed against four-year universities - not just two-year colleges!"

Although this spunky, 21-year old admits she is a bit of an over-achiever, Jennifer also knows how to balance her life with outside interests and a few fun classes. In addition to speech, art classes were her favorites at MJC, and one summer she took a hip-hop dance class. An avid reader, she likes to escape into Steven King and Dean Koontz thrillers and is a fan of the Harry Potter series. An AP Art student while at Johansen High, Jennifer painted a cello for auction as part of the Art League's "Cellobration" fundraiser.  However passionate about art, she chose not to pursue it as a career, preferring to draw when inspired, rather than under pressure. You see, college is not just about the degree for Jennifer; it's about fully experiencing her education along the way. "My advice to students is to work as little as possible outside college and make school your absolute priority. This will allow you to focus on your studies, get involved in some campus activities, and enjoy your college experience a lot more."