Yessica

Congratulations, Yessica!

Yessica is a 2014 graduate of West Ottawa High School who earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Michigan University in 2018.

Yessica was hired as a Holland Hospital extern during the summer between her junior and senior year of college. Immediately after graduation, the hospital hired her back as a nurse in the intraoperational surgery unit.

In the 10th grade, Yessica found her way to Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) and their Adelante program whose goal is to teach students leadership skills, public speaking skills and encourage them to be community service leaders.

It was in Adelante meetings that Yessica heard speakers from the minority community tell their stories, speak about the challenges they faced and how they overcame those challenges to become successful in life and career.

LAUP taught me that “I am not alone,” said Yessica. And they taught me “Se c’est pude!” Cesar Chavez’s famous quote: “Yes — it is possible!”

Roberto Jara, former director of LAUP had this to say about Yessica:

“Yessica has a strong inner drive to excel in her studies! But more importantly, she possesses a clear moral compass and drive to serve others and her community. Along with her kind, engaging personality these qualities will make her an asset wherever she chooses to pursue her career in the future. My hope is that she chooses to pursue that future here in Holland!”

LAUP made it possible for Yessica to dream of college, and possible for her to try for the highly selective Medallion Scholarship at Western. “You had to qualify,” Yessica said, “based on your GPA and your ACT scores.” Then you went to Western along with some 800 applicants who took a test and wrote an essay. Of those 800 students, only 20, including Yessica, were given the maximum renewable scholarship of $12,500, covering complete tuition.

Still, there were books and room and board to pay. And that is where the Holland Zeeland Promise will stepped in.

Yessica’s advice for high school students?

“Don’t forget, you don’t always have to take steps forward to be making progress. Don’t always be so focused on where you have to get to. Sometimes you need to give yourself credit that you’ve come this far.”


To learn more about the Holland/Zeeland Promise Scholarship, visit www.cfhz.org/hzpromise

Stories of Promise

The inspiring stories of the amazing recipients of the Holland/Zeeland Promise Scholarship

Community Foundation H/Z

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Ensuring that Holland/Zeeland MI thrives today, tomorrow and forever by building our Community’s Endowment and helping donors achieve their charitable goals.

Stories of Promise

The inspiring stories of the amazing recipients of the Holland/Zeeland Promise Scholarship

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