Jasmin Diaz at Cochise College Sierra Vista Campus
Student Spotlight: Jasmin Diaz
Her roots started here at Cochise College, and they have led to a future chock-full of opportunity.
“I believe that my career goals are the foot stones to my future,” said Jasmin. “Planning and building up on my career each step at a time makes me feel that a career as challenging as medicine is hard but obtainable.”
Jasmin had the opportunity to apprentice under Dr. Tadeo Salazar, where she observed surgeries and helped with patient care and office management. During her time as an apprentice, Jasmin gained invaluable experience.
“Though I was not allowed to touch any patients, I learned a lot… This experience was amazing and made me feel confident that medicine is the career meant for me,” said Jasmin.
This spring she will complete an associate degree in biology. After she graduates from Cochise College, she plans to transfer to the University of Arizona, where she will study physiology and pursue a career in medicine.
“A community college may be small, but it makes a person grow more than one could ever imagine,” Jasmin said.
For the last two years, Jasmin has volunteered for the International Business Expo and the Young Eagles Program. Jasmin is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Honors in Action project and has maintained a 3.9 GPA.
Since she has attended Cochise College, she has been an active member of her community and has been a strong student, but Jasmin needed help to fund her education.
“(The medical field) is challenging and very expensive, and any financial support will help me save for the future,” she said.
Jasmin applied for three extremely competitive scholarships. Around November 2015, Jasmin received her first award letter in the mail. She’d been granted the All-Arizona Scholarship, a two-year scholarship to help complete her bachelor’s degree.
In addition, Jasmin was placed in the All-Arizona First Team. First Team students go on to compete for placement on the All-USA Academic Team.
Jasmin Diaz is part of the first generation of natural-born American citizens in her family. She is proud of her rich heritage. Both her grandparents and parents were born in Mexico.
This March, Jasmin was selected for the IME BECAS Scholarship. The Mexican Consulate and an anonymous contributor donated the scholarship. This scholarship celebrates the diversity of students who are of Mexican descent. Jasmin received $1,000 for her future studies.
Finally, competing nationwide, with over 1,900 applicants, Jasmin Diaz was selected for the 2016 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team, Gold Scholar. Selection of the Coca-Cola Gold Scholar was based on scores the student earned in the All-USA Community College Academic Team competition. The scholarship disbursement of $1,500 will be given in September 2016.
Jasmin Diaz made a way for her future here at Cochise College. She said, “Cochise College has given me the leadership skills, knowledge and experiences that I will never forget. Everything that I have learned at Cochise College, every experience, I will take with me on my journey to success.”
For more information on scholarships, you can go to Cochise.edu/fa.