THE JESSICA RELIFORD STORY LETS HELP JESSICA GO TO
Jessica Reliford a 4.4 GPA High School Graduate from S.B California, barely graduated from high school and is already taking summer classes at the University of Berkley one of the top prestigious Universities.
"I Knew at an early age what I wanted to be when I grew up. My parents made sure that I knew how my ancestors had worked so hard for me to get to this point.I want to show them that their fight wasn't in vain. My parents also gave me great support. They gave me a good foundation to stand on, but it was still up to me to learn and build up from that foundation and go for my dreams." stated Jessica Reliford
At an early age Jessica showed signs of a winner. In elementary, Jessica received the President of the United States Award for Academics signed by President George W. Bush Jr. In Jr. High School, Jessica received The City of S.B Acadmic Award with many Leadership, Science and Math awards that followed.
So now, just what does Jessica want to be when she grows up you might ask? Jessica wants to become a doctor. But not just any doctor, but a Pediactric "Bilingual" doctor. " I want to be able to speak and understand a diffrent language. That way I can help my patients more. I know learnig a diffrent language will help me in the future, a lot. I know how hard it is out there in the world. I want to be the best . I want to give my best to God and the community." states Jessica
"Jessica is on the right track. With over 700 High School Seniors in her class, she graduated with honors from the National Honor's Society ranking amongst the top students in her class. And out of all the females she also ranked amonsgst the top 10 female students in her class. "It feels good to see my hard work and dedication pay off." states Jessica. Jessica should be proud of herself. Not only has she recieved the National Honor's Society Acadmic Award but also the Distingushed Scholars Academic Award, California Girls State Award, Young Visionary Award, The Black Culture Foundation Academic Award , COPIM Ministry Academic Award, Black Educators Academic Award, Avid Academic Award, High School Academic Awards and she has also received many medals and awards in honors AP Acadmic and Leadership , just to name a few
" I Liked most when I was awarded and chosen to represent the State of California at the (NYCL) National Young Leaders Conference in Washington ,DC. My community such as Mommie Helen's Bakery and W.A.G, The American Legion post 710, family, friends and Congressman Joe Baca paid for my trip to go. I got to sit on the seat of the Senates and I learned more about Congress and the role of President Obama. I was hoping to meet Presient Obama there in Washigton D.C but I didnt get the chance to. But what I especially liked was going to the Lincoln Memorial where Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King Jr. said his speech "I have A Dream". Because Dr. King had a Dream and because I have A Dream , and besides the love and help of God and my parents, It is one of the very reason why I was able to stand there in Washington, D.C and It is one of the very reasons why Im standing here now on the UC Berkeley college campus. Our people have come so far and Im glad UC Berkely chose me because I know how many kids didnt get accepted to college. I worked hard and I know that Dr. King, if he were here today, he would be very proud of me." states Jessica.
Not only is Jessica a brilliant student but also a hard worker.Among keeping her grades up through vigorous Honors and AP (Advanced Placement) classes , Jessica still found time to shine in other departments as well.Jessica was a member of the Ivy Chain,and has held office titles such as Co-President of the Physiology & Physics Club (P^2), Spanish Club, Historian for Key Club International, Team Captain of Jv Girls Basketball team, Member of the Fellowhsip Christian Athelete Club (F.C.A), Athlete Yearbook Reporter, A Member of the Black Future Leaders and a High School Newspaper Reporter .
Jessica also volunteerd in the community with cancer walks, multiple park clean ups with the Key Club Community ServiceJessica is thought of highly amonsgt the school faculity and was invited back to recite a Spoken Word Poem called" The Next Generation" with three other female students about staying in school. Each girl wrote their own part of the spoken word poem based on their life experiences. Teachers thought the poems was so good and inspiringTthat he girls were invited back to their Jr. High School to mentor to the younger children through the Spoken Word poem. word got out quickly about the poem that the he group was also asked to recite it at their High school Baccalaureate Ceremony , The High School Black Graduates Ceremony, Church and special gatherings.
"Jessica has taken many advance placement and honors classes including Spanish Honors which will help her in her plans to become a Spanish Bilingual Doctor. Jessica is highly recommended by teachers and staff and has melted the hearts of many with her determination and great role model qualities and a leader in her community. However , her resume and transcripts and her volunteer community work are not a complete reflection of the remarkable character Miss Reliford possesses. Jessica is a role model for all young women today of every race. She has remained focused on her studies, immune to peer pressure in an enviroment that seem to possess it in abundance and has continued to exhibit a great deal of moral character and maturity beyond her years of age. Whether it be exceptional parenting or inherent greatness, Jessica is a remarkable young women she represents the very best her generation has to offer." states Carrie Thayer Jessica's Ap Honors and World History Teacher.
Jessica has worked hard on keeping focused. She had worked herself up to a standard high GPA average of 4.8 But when it came to family issues like losing her grandmother, the then 4.8 GPA student began to face troubles.
"My grandmother died the day I went to take my finals. She died of cancer. I was very close to her. She tried to hold on until my gradaution but she didnt make it. It was very hard for me and for my mother. My mother had went into a deep depression and it hurt me to se my mother like that. My grade dropped from a 4.8 GPA to a 4.4. But I did it. On the day of my high School graduation I looked into the stadium seats and I could picture and hear my granmother yelling out to me "You Go Jess! You Go Girl! '' My grandmother has always been proud of me and there for me. She has been my cheerleader since I took my first baby steps and I really miss her a lot. I know she's proud of me too." states Jessica.
Through it all Jessica over came her obstacles and now is hoping to over come one more.
"The cost of going to college cost is really high so im lookig for all the financial help I can get." states Jessica When asked about her thoughts on the contoversal rumor of Justin Combs, son of Rapper/Producer and millionare P.Diddy, has been offered a scholarship, Jessica states her opinion
"I think that it's nice that Mr. Diddy son Justin Diddy won a schlarship. He worked hard for it just like the rest of us. I was always taught that hard work and determination pays off whether your rich or not. But if he does decide he doenst' need it, I tell ya , I sure can use it. I have 12 years of school to go to before I become a doctor." Jessica replies smiling.
If you or someone you know would like to help Jessica Reliford for more information ,please contact
info@discovermyshowcase.com or
UC Berkley Admissions/Financial Aid Department:
Financial Aid and Scholarships Office
UC Berkeley
250 Sproul Hall #1960
Berkeley, CA 94720-1960
Monday - Friday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
(510) 642-6442
Financial Aid and Scholarships Office Fax Number: (510) 643-5526
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