Jai Reed: Student of Excellence
Felice Thompson
Issue date: 6/10/09 Section: Campus Life
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What should she do?
Jai Reed was busy with building construction of her new home when she received the counselor's call. For more than a week an acceptance letter sat in her mailbox. It was regarding her acceptance into Opportunity Grant Program. Melissa Delikat, Peninsula College counselor, had waited as long as she could for a reply. Delikat gave Jai two hours to decide whether or not she would accept or decline the grant for college.
It all began when a friend of her teenage daughter encouraged Jai to apply for an Opportunity Grant for the Addiction Studies Program. Though hesitant, she applied.
A single mom, Jai was raising two teenage children after a failed marriage. She was riddled with feelings of doubt and low self-esteem. She stood at a crossroad wondering which way to go.
Jai was in shock about the call. She wanted to go back to school but the thought of becoming a middle aged returning student was daunting.
Could she do it? "Yes" was her answer.
"College makes you realize anything is possible. With the support of faculty and staff here at PC a student can reach any goal," Jai said. "Yes you can" is her personal motto.
"Jai has been very successful in her classes and has really grown into a confident student who will go far," Delikat said.
Jai is graduating this spring with an Addiction Studies Degree. She earned a place on the President's list.
"Jai truly excels as a strong academic leader in the Addiction Studies Program with her creativity and sensitivity. She has a strong professional presence. I have been very inspired at her personal growth over the last two years. She is truly a genuine professional worthy of great personal success," said Stacie Bell, Addiction Studies Program coordinator.
Last month Jai was honored as a recipient of the Washington Award for Vocational Excellence scholarship (WAVE).
A WAVE scholarship honor students and connects the working world with the experience of learning. These students will continue on their academic and professional journeys, and will demonstrate how effective career and technical education is in launching them into a lifetime of learning, according to Eleni Papadakis, executive director of the Workforce Board.
Jai has been accepted at Evergreen College where she will use her scholarship funds to continue her education and earn a bachelor's degree in Addiction studies. "I loved my experience at PC and hope to come back in the future and teach," Jai said.
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