When Jasmine C. heads to the University of North Texas this fall on a full-ride scholarship, she’ll be walking on the foundation of resilience she paved along the way. “I hope my legacy inspires someone to not let where they come from define them, put them in a box, or stop them from blossoming,” she said.
Jasmine, who plans to major in Information Management Systems, moved around a lot as a child, in and out of Dallas ISD schools. For most of her life, it was just her and her mother.
“She was my rock,” said Jasmine. “My best friend.”
During her second semester of her sophomore year at Marvin E. Robinson School of Business and Management at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center, Jasmine’s mother passed away. After finishing out the rest of the school year, she moved in with her godmother and transferred to Skyline High School. While the loss of her mother brought mental health challenges, her transition to Skyline was smooth.
“Because I’m an only child, I’ve always had to kind of push myself out there,” Jasmine said. “So coming to Skyline was the same thing.”
That resilience transformed Jasmine from a once-shy student into an outspoken upperclassman who now uses her voice for change on campus. As a member of the Principal’s Council, she works with Joseph Pouncy, Skyline principal, to address student concerns, organize spirit weeks, and advocate for changes within the school.
“Jasmine is truly one of the top five percent of students that I have ever been around, due in part to her resilience,” Pouncy said. “Most people find ways or make excuses to stay where they are in life. Not Jasmine.”
Pouncy first met Jasmine when he was the principal at Townview’s School of Business her freshman year. In a world of upheaval and change, his presence at Skyline became a constant in her life.
“He’s a sense of comfort for me and someone who’s always been in my corner cheering me on,” she said. “He also checks on me and connects me with resources, especially since I come from a low-income family.”
Jasmine has balanced grief and financial challenges while also navigating life as a hard-of-hearing student. Her deaf education counselor, Laurie Vassallo, quickly became an important figure in her life, both academically and personally.
“If one stays long enough in the field of education, students come along who make a lasting impression on an educator’s mind. Jasmine is one of those students,” said Vassallo. “She has the heart of an Olympic champion.”
As time passes, Vassallo continues to honor Jasmine’s mother through her encouragement.
“She always reminds me that my mom is in my heart and how proud she’d be of where I am today,” Jasmine said.
