THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2006

Faith, Determination Help Grad Achieve Her Goals

By DENISE FLEISCHER

Lifestyle Editor

Recent Northwest University grad Jessica Lynn R. Gimeno, of Des Plaines, was the chosen student at NU's commencement ceremony.

Gimeno recently graduated cum laude from Northwestern with a B.A. in Communications; a double major in Communication Studies and Political Science. She introduced criminal defense attorney, Rikki Klieman, who acted as the keynote speaker.

Gimeno has won State Championship in Impromptu Speaking, is one of Northwestern University's Top 3 Asian American Communication students, having claimed a National Semi-Finalist position in Impromptu speaking and earning departmental excellence. She graduated as a Maine Scholar from Maine West High School in 2002.

Her interests are painting, reading, cooking and dancing and her future goals are to finish her painting portfolio, attend law school in two years and 'God willing' to become a civil rights attorney.

Asked how she feels about graduating cum laude, Gimeno replied, "I feel thankful. Two years ago, I could not have imagined graduating with honors. I was going through personal problems that affected my academics. My advisor asked me if I wanted to quit school, but I stayed. Because of my faith, I knew God would carry me through the storm and I would finish school. I viewed my intelligence as a gift from God. Out of my thankfulness, I saw learning as a joy and worked hard. Being cum laude is just one manifestation of His grace in my life."

What was necessary to help her achieve her educational goals began with God, her family, friends and Rocky.

"One days when I wasn't feeling well and couldn't do work, I had a routine," stated Gimeno. "I would start by reciting Bible verses and then I would pray. If I still couldn't work, I would call up someone - my mom, my dad, a cousin, an aunt or uncle, or a friend - ask him/her to pray for me or tell me a story. Finally, I would watch boxing scenes from Rocky I, IV or V. When Rocky would pray, I would pray with him. This routine helped me study."

When she learned she was the chosen student speaker during her college's commencement she was ecstatic, but nervous.

"I worked hard to read the guest speaker's autobiography, write and memorize my speech within three days. She actually told the audience it was the best introduction she had ever received 'any time, anywhere." I was elated," said Gimeno.

Because of her double major, she plans to write about politics and focus on available communications positions.

"Right now I'm working in advocacy at the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, an organization that helps people with mood disorders get proper diagnosis and help. I inform people of legislation on mental health issues and steps they can take to increase awareness of mood disorders," stated Gimeno.

Being active in Impromptu Speaking at Northwestern has led to positive experiences. She stated that she has become a better communicator by connecting with diverse groups of people because she studied art history, television shows, politics, philosophy, literature and rap music.

Becoming a Maine Scholar at Maine West was also responsible for her success in college.

"Graduating as a Maine Scholar showed me that time spent studying for AP classes was worth the loss of sleep and mediocre hair days. I learned to face challenges, which helped me go to a competitive school like Northwestern University.