Jenna Carmen Rivera
PSJA Memorial Early College, Class of 2025
Plans to Attend: Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Major: Biological Science
Awards/Honors
- All “A” Honor Roll 4 Years
- South Texas College (STC) Vice President’s Honor Roll 2024
- Inducted into National English Honor Society (MU EPSILON SIGMA) 2022
- NEHS Literary Editor 2024-2025
- Inducted into The National Honor Society 2022
- National Honor Society Officer - Parliamentarian 2023
- Student Council Officer –STUCO Parliamentarian 2021-2023
- Student Council Officer- Chaplain 2024-2025
- PSJA Memorial ECHS College Ambassador 2024-2025
- Selected to Attend the National Youth Leadership Forum: Medicine 2023
- UCA All-American Cheerleader 3 Years
- UIL State Finalist Cheer Team 2022 – 6th Place 1
- UIL State Finalist Cheer Team 2023 – 3rd Place-Bronze
- UIL State Finalist Cheer Team 2024 – 4th Place
- UIL State Finalist Cheer Team 2025- 3rd Place-Bronze
- NCA National Cheer Champions- 3rd Place-Bronze
- Varsity Cheerleader 4 Years -Varsity Cheer Captain 2024-2025
- Varsity Track 3 years, Captain 2023-2025
- Heart and Hustle Varsity Track Award 2022, 2023
- Hidalgo County Cotillion Debutante 2024
- FFA Chapter Secretary 2022, President 2023, -Vice President 2024-2025FFA
- 2nd Place District for Chapter Conducting 2022
- FFA Sale of Champions 1st and 2nd Place - 2 Projects 2022, 2023, 2024
- Fellow Christian Athletes (FCA) Spiritual Leader Member 3 Years
- FCA Co-Captain 2024 -Rotary Student of the Month-December 2024
- CPR Certified – August 2024
Tell us your story! What hardships or challenges have you overcome to get to where you are today? How have these experiences motivated you to pursue your educational dreams?
Throughout my life, I have faced significant challenges with self-acceptance and identity. From a young age, I felt like I didn't belong, even though I was born into a loving family. I disliked how I looked and often envied how my parents seemed to have a closer connection with God than I did. Despite being in a supportive environment and attending church regularly, I didn't feel pure enough or worthy of love. It wasn't until I developed a real relationship with God that I understood my worth and learned to love who I truly am. This personal transformation, largely influenced by the supportive environment at PSJA, gave me the confidence to smile genuinely and embrace my identity. These experiences shaped my desire to pursue a career in dental surgery. I want to help others feel confident in their smiles and, through that, help them find a sense of self-love and peace, just as I did. My faith journey has driven me to want to positively impact others' lives, helping them express their light and find God through their smile. The challenges I faced with self-perception motivated me to pursue my educational dreams because I believe education will give me the tools to help others on a deeper level. I can offer holistic dental care and manage a successful practice by studying nutrition and business alongside dentistry. This education will allow me to pursue my passion for oral health and make a lasting difference in my community, especially in the Rio Grande Valley, where I hope to provide better healthcare opportunities.
How have the opportunities offered at PSJA ISD, including the PSJA Early College Program, impacted your life?
The opportunities provided by PSJA ISD, primarily through the Early College Program, have profoundly impacted my life, shaping my academic journey and career aspirations. These opportunities have helped me discover my true passion and equipped me with a solid educational foundation to navigate future challenges. The Early College Program was instrumental in guiding me toward my desired career path. I explored various subjects, from psychology to criminal justice, before ultimately discovering my passion for science. As a result, I graduated high school with over 75 college credit hours and an associate’s 2 degree in biology. This achievement has set me up for success in college and beyond. Additionally, PSJA ISD has opened doors that go beyond traditional academics. The rigor of these dual credit courses, such as my Microbiology class, opened the doors for me to experience real-world opportunities. I had the privilege of connecting with Dr. Stacy Beltran, who offered me an internship at her clinic, Cornerstone Periodontics. This hands-on experience was a pivotal moment in my academic journey that allowed me to gain invaluable insights into the field and reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in science. This experience is a true testament to the benefits and advantages of the PSJA's Early College Program. Furthermore, PSJA's Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) program has allowed me to expand my healthcare knowledge, graduate high school with an RDA certification, and be ready to enter the workforce.
Above all, the supportive and family-like environment at PSJA has been crucial in shaping my belief that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. The encouragement from the staff has been a constant source of motivation, and I feel more prepared than ever to take on whatever challenges lie ahead. PSJA has been a cornerstone in my academic and personal growth, and I'm excited for the future.
What, if anything, would you say to your PSJA Family?
Words cannot even begin to express how grateful I am to have been a part of such a supportive family through PSJA. PSJA has truly shaped me into the resilient, hardworking young lady I am today, instilling in me the importance of perseverance and commitment. The countless opportunities that PSJA has afforded me have enabled me to grow personally and educationally. Something that I truly appreciate and consider invaluable experiences that shaped who I am and want to become. Since elementary school, my teachers have been there to teach me and guide me through life, leading me in the right direction both physically and mentally. I believe family is the foundation for anything significant, and even for those not fortunate enough to have a family at home, PSJA has been a home to all. The sense of community and support has been unwavering. Through PSJA, I have surpassed my educational goals, earning my registered dental assistant certification and an associate's degree in biology before graduating high school. These are milestone accomplishments that have paved the way for my future endeavors. The dedication and commitment of the PSJA community have been instrumental in my development. From my teachers' encouragement to my peers' support, every aspect of my experience has contributed to shaping who I am today. The values of perseverance, hard work, and commitment that PSJA instilled in me gave me the strong foundation and competitive edge I need to pursue my future goals. For all the lessons learned, the trials and victories throughout my education here at PSJA, I am humbled and grateful and want to simply say I LOVE MY PSJA FAMILY!
