FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Jasmine Rodgers and I am an 18-year-old upcoming freshman at Hampton University, majoring in chemistry.
Receiving this scholarship holds many opportunities for me for which I am very grateful. It also pushes me to do my best in school so that I can uphold the FOSSI standards of excellence.
FOSSI: Why are you passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field?
When one thinks of the world and all the pressing issues currently impacting the globe such as starvation, climate change, disease, poverty, etc.; it is important to consdier the other side. When we do, we can find that there is a science to combatting these issues and I believe it starts with chemistry.
Chemistry and the innovational minds of many are contributing to the world’s modern advancements in medicines, antibiotics, and fertilizers; that are helping create solutions to these problems. These advancements can help cure diseases and illnesses, reverse climate change, and generate new agriculture manufacturing to reduce starvation around the world.
I am passionate about pursuing a degree in Chemistry because through STEM, I can make a difference in the world.
FOSSI: Why is receiving the FOSSI scholarship important for you?
Receiving the FOSSI scholarship is important to me because it is not only a scholarship, but a mentorship. It is not like a regular scholarship where you are given money and then the people you receive the money from never see you again. The members of FOSSI help their recipients, see them through the journey in college, and support them while pursuing their degree and even after that too. Receiving this scholarship holds many opportunities for me for which I am very grateful. It also pushes me to do my best in school so that I can uphold the FOSSI standards of excellence.
FOSSI: Who is a role model that has influenced you?
A role model who has influenced me is Mrs. Marilyn Jamal, my mentor in my organization, Teenshop
Inc.. Teenshop was founded by Emmy Award-Winning journalist Elleanor Jean Hendley and is an enrichment program for young women of color. This organization does life skills workshops, college preparatory initiatives, and community service projects.
Through this program, I have met Mrs. Jamal and she has changed my life, she has taught me so many lessons, and more about what the meaning of service and giving back is, and has been someone who has consistently supported me. This woman has no blood-related connections to me but shows up for me every day and I am proud to count her as a person in my village. Mrs. Jamal helps direct a big portion of the spaces young women of color desperately need, and for that she is my inspiration.
FOSSI: Fast forward – where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years, I see myself graduating from college with a bachelor's degree in chemistry and out of grad school with a PharmD degree. I hope to have a career as a practicing pharmacist, working for a pharmaceutical company.
FOSI: Share a few fun facts about yourself.
- I have played soccer competitively for club and high school since I was 7.
- I like to journal and write, poems specifically.
- My favorite color is green.
- My favorite show is Scandal produced by Shonda Rhimes.
- I love music and a lot of plants in my scenery!
Hear more from Jasmine about why she's exctied to be a FOSSI scholar.
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