By Jessica Lampart, Nursing student

My name is Jessica Lampart, and my story begins in Jamaica, where resilience grows through struggle and love inspires purpose. That foundation led me to the United States to pursue nursing and dedicate my life to helping others.

My journey to college began with a promise I made to myself after losing my brother. After his passing, I vowed that his life and love would not be forgotten, and that mine would have meaning and purpose. His death changed me forever, but it also gave me a new sense of direction. It was at that moment that I decided to pursue a profession rooted in compassion, healing, and service to others.

No one in my family has ever been to college, and as one of several siblings, I grew up understanding that education was the key to creating a different future. For as long as I can remember, school has been my safe place, the one space where I could dream, grow, and find peace. Learning became my outlet and my motivation; the path I chose to break barriers and build something better.

Being a first-generation college student is not just about being the first; it is about opening the door for those who come after me. It is about turning pain into purpose and transforming challenges into strength. I am determined to make a difference in the world, one step, one patient, and one act of kindness at a time.