Jessica Loya does not like not knowing.
The Park City High School 2024 graduate and Bright Futures student sets goals, makes a plan to achieve them, and accomplishes each step in quick succession.
Need proof? Jessica earned so many scholarships that her four years at The University of Utah will be fully funded.
- Call to Action Foundation Scholarship
- U of U Flagship Scholarship
- Utah Sterling Scholar
- LIA Writing Champion Scholarship
- LIA’s Jose Cebellos Scholarship
- LIA’s Brink Scholarship
- Bright Futures Scholarship
- Oscar Wedegaertner Memorial First Generation Scholarship
- Schechinger Family Business/Sales Scholarship
- The USHE Opportunity Scholarship
That’s 10 scholarships, if you’re counting, and Jessica takes them all in stride as she ticks them off. The result of all her hard work is a plan to do more work – but with better vibes.
“I want to work,” Jessica says. “Thanks to the scholarships, I don’t think I have to, but I feel like, for spending money, for my savings goals - it’s nice to work as a choice and not as a necessity.”
Physically, Jessica moves almost as quickly as her mind does; any question asked or task listed is answered and finished as quickly as possible. Her eyes dart back and forth to check text messages, her hands fly beneath the zoom camera to respond - she’s back in Park City to babysit her little sister, a three-year-old preschooler at McPolin Elementary School (where Jessica went to preschool, too!) - so she needs to stay tuned in.
Jessica’s eyes light up for an instant as she absorbs that she and her sister are experiencing Park City Education Foundation Signature Initiatives at the same time, Preschool and Bright Futures, and then she keeps it moving.
“I anticipate graduating college in four years, in 2028,” she says, and there’s a sense that it’s as good as done, despite her discomfort around an undeclared - and undecided - major.
“I’m struggling to know,” she says. “I’ve never had a specific passion or career that I’m drawn to. Maybe business or technology, but those are very different.”
True to her nature, Jessica tackles the looming unknown strategically. She took part in Dream Big, the PCHS class that helps first-gen students with academics. She started at the U with 23 college credits under her belt, thanks to AP classes and concurrent enrollment at PCHS, so most of her general education requirements are already checked off the list. This gives her room to experiment.
“I’m taking finance, computer programming, and even a pre-law class. My schedule is interesting to me. Interesting content - I’ll see what it leads me to career-wise.”
When the topic of hopes and dreams comes up, Jessica thinks near-future.
“I’m hoping my first semester classes will allow me to create a better schedule for second semester, classes that will get me closer to graduation and a career. It’s frustrating not declaring a major yet. I do want to get it picked soon.”
Her ultimate dream, though, is clear.
“The goal is financial stability,” Jessica says, still for a moment. “The goal is helping others, and having new experiences. For myself and for my family.”
BRIGHT FUTURES
Family is what drew Jessica to PCEF’s Bright Futures in the first place. Jessica also participated in BF’s partner programs, Dream Big, and Latinos in Action (LIA) in high school. She was Vice President of LIA her junior year - and President senior year.
“My older brother was involved in Bright Futures, and I went with my mom to the activities they hold for parents. I learned about BF, and I liked what they were doing. Once I was old enough, I joined, because I wanted to put myself in a position to succeed.”
Success isn’t the only thing Jessica put herself in a position to achieve…
“I met amazing people! People in our cohort were in classes together through high school. You truly get to know each other and it’s a comforting thing.”
“Something that helped a lot,” Jessica continues, “was hearing from other college kids. We heard from them at Bright Futures meetings and Summer Academy. It was really good to hear from them to hear about their experiences - so I know what to expect.”
And when the unexpected happens - as it inevitably does?
“It’s nice to know there are people I can email or text. Overall, there’s great support from BF staff, the coordinators, and the community resources they bring in. But,” she says, “you connect with other students in your grade which is so meaningful and helps you stay motivated.”
Jessica says the cohort really leaned on each other while they worked through the logistics of getting to college.
“When we were doing applications and scholarships and essays, we talked a lot. It helped to know how others were doing things; we’d share information and resources. It even helped to know others were struggling to do it all, too."
Even on campus at The U, Jessica’s BF cohort support doesn’t seem far away.
“I see them around campus - it’s nice to check in.”
And one BF cohort friend is literally never far away…
“I have a single in my dorm, which I know can be a little bit challenging for social things, but I live right next door to another Bright Futures student - also named Jessica!”
Whatever her social situation, Jessica Loya relies on the structure she’s figured out for herself the most.
“Being organized, setting boundaries, and trying to balance my schedule helps me stay focused. I have accumulated habits that work for me. And I have a supportive family and good friends to help me out or just remind me to have fun.”
Jessica Loya may not like not knowing her exact path, but she doesn’t let a little thing like discomfort slow her down. And, thanks in part to PCEF’s Bright Futures, she has a compass to move forward.
“It’s because of the community I grew up in. There are so many who have so much in Park City… Anywhere you go in this community you can find the people who want to do more, who are looking to help others. Once I’m in that place to be able to help, and as I get there, I want to do more. These programs are so valuable because I have been helped and now I want to help, too."
