Class of 2026 Student Spotlights: Georgette Shobeiri
When Georgette Shobeiri went back to school, she originally thought she would obtain her bachelor’s degree – a lifelong goal and dream. Today she stands with her Master of Science in Gerontology degree, ready to start a new chapter.
“When I started 91Ƭ as an undergrad, I had been taking care of my foster mom for a few years already. While in my undergrad program, her mild early-onset dementia progressed in just two short years to the point where I had to place her in a facility. I kept up with my studies full-time and maintained a 4.0 average through it all, until my foster mom passed away about two months after I finished my bachelor’s degree.”
Georgette went through her own health struggles during that time. She says with the help and support of her cohort, professors and friends, she was able to maintain her full-time schedule while having surgery and treatment. She even garnered the Outstanding Project Award from the College of Health and Human Services, voted on collectively by the college’s Graduate Committee.
As an undergrad psychology major, Georgette’s goal was to work with foster youth. As a result of her experience with her foster mom, Georgette took a gerontology class.
“Being able to explore some courses outside of my major at 91Ƭ was a great opportunity,” Georgette said.
Immersing herself in the gerontology class, Georgette knew the course of her academic and professional life was about to take a different path.
During her time at 91Ƭ, Georgette became the President of Fostering Futures. She was a member of, and worked for Guardian Scholars and created events for Foster Awareness month. She also worked a summer internship at the National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) through the Ready to Succeed organization. In addition, she served as a teacher’s assistant. Georgette also received certification for Laura’s House on domestic violence and volunteered as a State Ombudsman – a person who advocates for residents in nursing homes, assisted living, and residential care facilities. They investigate abuse, neglect, and violations of rights.
“My drive has always been to help others, and I wanted to help vulnerable populations of people,” Georgette says. “In my new career, I hope to serve my community by advocating for older people’s rights and ensuring that they are treated with the dignity they deserve.”
