We are excited to celebrate Jackie Garcia, our 15th Scholar to earn her college degree. A 2009 Recipient, Jackie graduated in December from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. Following graduation she vacationed on the tropical beaches of the Dominican Republic to cherish the moment.
After serving as President for Texas A&M University’s UNICEF Chapter for three years, she is pursuing a job with the US Fund for UNICEF before she attends physical therapy school in 2015. Texas A&M UNICEF empowers the university community to help children of the world by exposing them to the perils facing children and by providing opportunities to make a difference. She was selected as a member of the UNICEF National Council in 2012, which is composed of only 6 members from all over the United States and worked with UNICEF USA to serve college campuses. In her role on the Council, Jackie oversaw 25 university campus clubs in 7 states. UNICEF opened doors she didn’t expect and met many inspirational figures including meeting President Bill Clinton.
While attending Texas A&M Jackie held two jobs within the Department of Residence Life at Texas A&M and tutored other students in Spanish. She enjoyed meeting new people as a Resident Advisor and provided guidance to incoming freshman through their transition into college life.
In addition to her job as a Resident Advisor, Jackie still made time to serve as an advisor for the Hall Council and was involved in E.R.A.S.E and National Residence Hall Honorary. E.R.A.S.E is an organization that helps promote social justice and diversity around the campus. The National Residence Hall Honorary is a national organization composed of the top 2% of campus student leaders.
Jackie’s leadership roles began at Northbrook High School and as a volunteer of the Spring Branch Boys and Girls Club. She was the captain of the varsity volleyball team, a senior class officer, and a member of both National Honor Society and HOSA. After school she would coach volleyball and tutor at the B&G Club. In addition, she was a member of the Ray Childress Foundation and volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House.
We could not be more proud of Jackie’s success and honored to be a part of her personal growth. She has now begun the next chapter of her life and will always be a part of the SFF Family.
The Steve Francis foundation helped me out a lot. Honestly if it wasn’t for the foundations contribution and support that I have received, I probably wouldn’t be able to do many of the things I did in college.–Jackie Garcia