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During her time at 91��Ƭ��, Jessica Vallejo was a double major. As she walks at Commencement with her dual degrees of a B.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice and her B.A. in Chicano and Latin Studies, Jessica will no doubt have a lot to be proud of for all that she has accomplished, despite personal challenges. 

At the end of 2024, she and her family were evicted from their home they had lived in for over twenty years, so that the property could be torn down and replaced with luxury apartments. 

“I had learned about gentrification in my classes, but experiencing it firsthand – the uncertainty, the fear, the loss – made this issue painfully real. At the time, I was a full-time student at 91��Ƭ��, and worked part-time to support my family.” 

While in school, Jessica worked for the Orange County Public Defender’s Office. She also was the Vice President of the Chicano Latino Student Association, and served as a student assistant for the College of Health and Human Services Dean’s Office – thank you, Jessica! 

“I felt a heavy responsibility to help my mom and my two siblings navigate everything – trying to contribute financially while also supporting my family emotionally. Balancing school, helping search for affordable housing, and picking up extra hours at work took a toll, but I pushed through. Despite the challenges, I stayed committed to my education, and that determination is a big part of why I am where I am now.”

All of her experiences in college have inspired Jessica to pursue law school. She hopes to become either a public defender or an immigration attorney. Jessica would like to become someone who can stand beside individuals who are often overlooked, misunderstood, or mistreated. 

“My goal is to serve my community by giving people the representation, respect and voice they deserve.” 

Jessica credits her mother as being her source of inspiration. 

“As a single mother, raising seven children, working multiple jobs and still finding the strength to show up for us every day – she taught me the meaning of ‘sí se puede.’ Even in the hardest moments, she held her head high and reminded us of the importance of strength, love, and unity. Her words continue to guide me every day: ‘Cuídate ámate y sé fuerte porque la vida no es fácil.’ (Take care of yourself, love yourself, and be strong because life is not easy). My mother is my role model. Her love, patience, resilience and determination are the qualities I hope to carry with me throughout my career and life. She is the reason I work hard, the reason I believe in myself, and the reason I am where I am today.”   

Congratulations, Jessica!