Best of CASE District IV Award
 

Institution: Texas Tech University

Title of entry: Strive For Honor: Jessica Arroyo

About this entry: Jessica Arroyo is not a statistic. Although, after having her first child at 17, there was a time when she thought she might be. The plans she once had for herself had changed; college was no longer on the table, and it was time to become a provider for her family. In 2012, she had finally had enough and decided to take a leap of faith. She landed here at Texas Tech University, working as a call-center agent for Student Business Services. For the last 10 years, Jessica has been working her way up the ladder in Student Business Services while earning not one, but two degrees from Texas Tech.

This story is one of sheer determination and unshakable will. After having begun her career in the call center, Jessica saw that her dream of going to college was still entirely within reach. Because of Texas Tech, Jessica was able to provide for her family, earn two degrees and work her way up to the top of Student Business Services.

Now, she hopes to serve as an example to her children, her employees and all the students she serves. Her story proves there is no limit to what you can achieve if you give it everything you have.

This story appeared in Issue 5 of Evermore, the Texas Tech University magazine, the launch of which spurred an incredible increase in engagement with our alumni, students, faculty and staff.