Jasmin Ibarra
Sonoma State University, Class of 2022; Paly Class of 2018
What is your major?
Biology with Zoology concentration and Geology Minor
What is one of your favorite subjects/classes during college? Why?
My favorite subject is science! All of my biology classes have been interesting - especially the courses I take for my Zoology concentration which ranges from entomology to environmental physiology. I loved learning about how animals adapt, evolve, and their importance to our ecosystems. Not only that but my decision in declaring my minor came from taking a geology course my freshman year which is where I was where I was initially introduced to geology. I was taught how to identify minerals, learned about volcanoes, and also dinosaurs! This course is what made me realize that Earth has so much to offer us and that nature in general is awesome! Science allows us to explain the most minimal topic which simply amazes me.
What has been the best part about going to college?
The best thing about college is learning to be independent and making memories. Although it seems scary at first, there is a lot to learn from while living on campus such as how to manage your time efficiently, become organized, make connections with your professors, get involved, and the list goes on. Learning to be independent is what prepares me for the real world and makes me less nervous for what’s to come. Making memories, on the other hand, is the main highlight of college! Even though COVID cut my college years, I did my best to make memories while at my last semester in college. These are memories which I will reminisce and look back at in the future, remembering the good times.
What is the one thing that you learned during college that you wish you could tell your 18 yo self?
Get involved! I’ve always been an introvert and therefore it’s difficult for me to push myself into joining clubs and socializing with people in general. It wasn’t until my last semester of my senior year that I got involved in the Hiking Club, went on beach clean-ups, and went on a school trip - which is where I met a new friend group! Even though it may seem difficult, it’s important to remember that everyone is in the same boat.
Has RTE made a difference in your decision to pursue a college degree in terms of support/advice/finances? If so, how?
RTE has helped me financially, allowing me to pursue my higher education. I am more than thankful for this scholarship and its financial aid. Without it, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. Not only that but the support is a plus! Knowing that there is someone who was checking up on my progress along the way benefited me. It made me feel as though they were looking after my progress and made sure that I was on track with my grades and courses.
Did any adults help/support you in the process of getting TO and THROUGH college? How?
My parents have been the most supportive during my journey through college. They were there during my highs and lows in college and gave me the courageous words I needed in order to push myself. As a first-generation student, they wanted nothing more than for me to earn my college degree, an opportunity they weren’t given.
What do you want to do after college? Do you have plans (short/long) term ones?
After college I plan to take a year off before applying to graduate school to study Conservation Biology. During this year off, I wish to earn more experience within the field I’m interested in or expand my field of interest. I would like to work in close proximity with animals, all while educating others on their importance to the environment.
Did RTE make a difference in helping you decide your post-Paly plans? How?
RTE did help me in making my ultimate decision after graduating PALY. In receiving the scholarship, I was assured financial stability and therefore had the opportunity to attend a 4-year university. I remember how at first I had simply planned on attending a community college because I lacked the financial aid. But upon receiving the scholarship, I was given that extra reassurance that I could attend a 4-year university.
Biology with Zoology concentration and Geology Minor
What is one of your favorite subjects/classes during college? Why?
My favorite subject is science! All of my biology classes have been interesting - especially the courses I take for my Zoology concentration which ranges from entomology to environmental physiology. I loved learning about how animals adapt, evolve, and their importance to our ecosystems. Not only that but my decision in declaring my minor came from taking a geology course my freshman year which is where I was where I was initially introduced to geology. I was taught how to identify minerals, learned about volcanoes, and also dinosaurs! This course is what made me realize that Earth has so much to offer us and that nature in general is awesome! Science allows us to explain the most minimal topic which simply amazes me.
What has been the best part about going to college?
The best thing about college is learning to be independent and making memories. Although it seems scary at first, there is a lot to learn from while living on campus such as how to manage your time efficiently, become organized, make connections with your professors, get involved, and the list goes on. Learning to be independent is what prepares me for the real world and makes me less nervous for what’s to come. Making memories, on the other hand, is the main highlight of college! Even though COVID cut my college years, I did my best to make memories while at my last semester in college. These are memories which I will reminisce and look back at in the future, remembering the good times.
What is the one thing that you learned during college that you wish you could tell your 18 yo self?
Get involved! I’ve always been an introvert and therefore it’s difficult for me to push myself into joining clubs and socializing with people in general. It wasn’t until my last semester of my senior year that I got involved in the Hiking Club, went on beach clean-ups, and went on a school trip - which is where I met a new friend group! Even though it may seem difficult, it’s important to remember that everyone is in the same boat.
Has RTE made a difference in your decision to pursue a college degree in terms of support/advice/finances? If so, how?
RTE has helped me financially, allowing me to pursue my higher education. I am more than thankful for this scholarship and its financial aid. Without it, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. Not only that but the support is a plus! Knowing that there is someone who was checking up on my progress along the way benefited me. It made me feel as though they were looking after my progress and made sure that I was on track with my grades and courses.
Did any adults help/support you in the process of getting TO and THROUGH college? How?
My parents have been the most supportive during my journey through college. They were there during my highs and lows in college and gave me the courageous words I needed in order to push myself. As a first-generation student, they wanted nothing more than for me to earn my college degree, an opportunity they weren’t given.
What do you want to do after college? Do you have plans (short/long) term ones?
After college I plan to take a year off before applying to graduate school to study Conservation Biology. During this year off, I wish to earn more experience within the field I’m interested in or expand my field of interest. I would like to work in close proximity with animals, all while educating others on their importance to the environment.
Did RTE make a difference in helping you decide your post-Paly plans? How?
RTE did help me in making my ultimate decision after graduating PALY. In receiving the scholarship, I was assured financial stability and therefore had the opportunity to attend a 4-year university. I remember how at first I had simply planned on attending a community college because I lacked the financial aid. But upon receiving the scholarship, I was given that extra reassurance that I could attend a 4-year university.