Student of the Week: Haley Jahr
Despite her struggles from an early age, Haley Jahr says South Texas College has given her the opportunity to pursue a meaningful career for herself and her young children.
Beginning at STC in June 2018, Haley says she completed her GED quickly over the summer and returns to college this fall to begin a degree in nursing. Haley said she will apply to the nursing program likely by summer 2019.
“I wanted to continue my education, and I would like to do better for me and my kids,” Haley said. “I have two kids, and they really inspired me on continuing my education because I needed to provide more for them and more for myself instead of waitressing all the time or just jumping from job to job.
“I needed to find a steady career that was suitable for me and something I was passionate about,” she said.
Originally, from Michigan, Haley moved to the Rio Grande Valley in 2014.
“I came to the valley four years ago, and I started a life down here by myself. I have been through a lot of obstacles coming down here and continuing, trying to get somewhere in life,” she said. “I thought being here in Texas would do that for me. I just needed to get an education because I wasn't getting anywhere just being a waitress here and there.”
“You want to live your life to the fullest, not only for yourself but for your kids. Life has its obstacles, and that is what everyone has to overcome. Just don't give up."
Top accomplishments:
“I believe it was an accomplishment not needing anyone to actually be there physically for me. To go through this by myself, it's a lot, and to accomplish what I've went through, it's hard.”
“To students I would say don't give up. Life is too short not to do anything,” Haley said. “You want to make your life to the fullest, not only for yourself but for your kids. Life has its obstacles, and that is what everyone has to overcome. I would just say don't give up. It's hard, but if you believe in yourself, and if other people believe in you, you can do it.”