user profile avatar

Ashley Jarosz

1x

Finalist

Bio

I am a veteran and the first in my family to go to college, and I am working toward my teaching degree because I want to make a real difference for future generations. My family and school keep me busy, but I always make time for the things I love like sewing, knitting, crocheting, and baking. My goal is to show others what is possible and help them believe in themselves. I believe that anyone can become what they work hard for, and I am always ready to be a helpful hand and an advocate for others.

Education

Coastal Carolina Community College

Associate's degree program
2024 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

California Institute of Arts & Technology

Associate's degree program
2014 - 2016
  • Majors:
    • Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Education

    • Dream career goals:

    • Avionics Mechanic

      USMC
      2007 – 20125 years
    Michele L. Durant Scholarship
    When I think about who I am and the kind of difference I want to make, I always come back to the things that shaped me the most. I am a veteran, a mom of two, a first-generation college student, and someone who has had to start over more than once. My path has not been simple, but it has pushed me toward wanting to help others, especially kids who need someone to believe in them. Serving in the military taught me a lot, especially about staying steady when life gets chaotic. Being a military spouse has also brought its own challenges. There were times when my goals had to be put on hold because life was full of moving, deployments, and constant change. Even though it slowed me down, it made me stronger and more patient. It taught me to keep going even when the timing isn't perfect. Now that my kids are older, I am finally in a place where I can focus on my education again. I am working toward my teaching degree because I want to make a real difference in my community. I want to be the kind of person who sees students for who they are and helps them feel safe and supported. I want children to feel encouraged to try new things and learn from their mistakes. I know what it feels like to push through, and I want to help others believe they can do the same. My hobbies, like sewing, knitting, crocheting, and baking, have taught me a lot about patience and creativity. They remind me that good things take time and that mistakes can be fixed. I want to bring that same mindset into my work. I have always believed that anyone can become what they work hard for. I try to live by that every day. I am the kind of person who offers a helping hand or speaks up for someone who needs support. Whether it is another parent, a classmate, or someone in my community, I want people to feel like they are not alone. I hope to make a difference by showing my own kids and anyone watching that it is never too late to chase your goals. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA while raising kids and balancing life, and I am proud of that. It is a reminder that I am capable of more than I often think, and I hope it inspires others to feel the same. I may not change the entire world, but I know I can change the world for the people right in front of me.