The Spring Branch ISD tagline of Inspiring Minds. Shaping Lives., is being realized quite literally in the life of a 2021 graduate from Northbrook High School (NHS). Jackie Garcia Rojas is currently majoring in Neuroscience as a third-year, pre-med student at Columbia University in New York City, NY, on a full-ride scholarship.
While at NHS, she was part of the Career and Technical Education Health Science program while in high school, which fueled her interest in studying medicine.
“We learned about anatomy and physiology, and shadowed staff at the Memorial Hermann hospital,” said Garcia Rojas. “I enjoyed this program because it helped students with learning the material in fun and engaging ways.“
One of the skills introduced to Health Science program students was to use mnemonic devices and diagrams to help memorize parts and functions of the body. She continues to use these study in her current studies at Columbia.
Better by far
Garcia Rojas took classes both virtually and, in the classroom, while at Northbrook. She recalls that her Calculus teacher, Mr. Claydon, kept both in-person and virtual students involved in the learning to make the material interesting and fun.
“He taught me that choosing the right teacher/professor can make a world of a difference when taking a course.” She has continued to put this wisdom to use during her time at Columbia.
Garcia Rojas also noted that she took a Calculus course at Columbia and feels that Mr. Claydon’s class was “far better.” The notes she took from his class even helped her during the college-level version of the course!
Comfortable with the uncomfortable
Also, while at Northbrook, Garcia Rojas intentionally took some classes, such as Theater that were out of her comfort zone. She is thankful the experience caused her to explore a completely new world, and to learn to comfortably adapt to uncomfortable situations.
She was also involved with the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society. Garcia Rojas found community with this group and could rely on friends made there to get help with class assignments because she felt comfortable with them.
As a first-generation college student, being part of the school’s EMERGE cohort was also critical to Garcia Rojas for its assistance with college and financial aid applications. She has high praise for her mentor in the program. “I truly never saw myself going to college, and thanks to her I saw myself obtaining a higher education,” said Garcia Rojas.
The teachers of NHS also supported her path to success. “My teachers motivated me because they would often congratulate me on my exam scores and were happy seeing me succeed,” said Garcia Rojas. “For me it was knowing that they cared about me that much made me keep pushing because someone else cared and not just myself.”
She was also motivated during her time at NHS by the end-of -year awards events that made her aim toward high grades. “I looked forward to this ceremony every year because my hard work was being recognized,” she said.
An inspired mind
As Garcia Roja’s neurological studies continue in the near and long-range future, SBISD congratulates her on using her ‘mind’ to ‘inspire’ us!
Learn more on our RAIDER NATION wall.