Approaching my 22nd birthday, I reflect on a journey that defies conventional narratives. Growing up in a broken home, I faced challenges that forced me to mature faster than my peers. At 14, I decided that education was my way out, leading to an early graduation at 17. Despite financial hardships and a lack of support, I applied to academic programs across the U.S., securing a spot at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) for psychology. While financial aid covered tuition, I had to work for rent, food, and various university fees not included in tuition. Balancing sleep, social health, and work became a constant struggle, often sacrificing one for the other. Private loans became a necessity, adding complexity to my challenging path.
Midway through my first year at UWM, my relationship with my mother soured, and at 17, she stopped communicating with me, preventing contact with my younger sisters. Navigating life as a minor without parental support became an unexpected hurdle. The stress and loneliness during my initial year of college nearly led me to quit. Seeking guidance from my academic advisor, associated with the Black and African American Cultural Center, made me realize I was more than just a number. They went above and beyond, introducing me to job opportunities prioritizing my studies, encouraging exploration of counseling services, informing me about grants, and guiding me to resources like the university’s food bank. These interventions not only elevated my grades but also lifted my spirits.
Despite financial challenges, loneliness, and the added weight of the pandemic, I persevered through my college years. In 2021, my financial burdens eased when I married my husband. However, health emergencies that year exposed me to nursing, prompting a reconsideration of my career path. By 2022, my husband’s job in Cook County led to applications to nursing programs in Chicago. In February 2022, I received acceptance into Marquette University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, a cost-effective option that led to commuting from Cook County, Illinois, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, underscoring my commitment to affordable and practical education.
As I celebrate my graduation from my Master’s program, I acknowledge a journey marked by resilience, resourcefulness, and the pursuit of dreams amid adversity. My experiences have shaped me into a strong, determined individual. However, recognizing the scarcity of resources during my undergraduate studies, I advocate for comprehensive student support services in higher education institutions. Students deserve a robust support system encompassing health services, mental health counseling, food banks, job training, and someone to relate to. This advocacy stems from the belief that no one should face adversity to build a strong, determined community; instead, communities should be set up for success through accessible support services in educational institutions.
Jasmine Weeks is a 21-year-old resident of Arlington Heights, originally from Alaska. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in May 2022 and recently graduated from Marquette University in December 2023 with a Master of Nursing. Jasmine joined YI to actively engage in her community and learn how to encourage more youth participation in politics.