Jackelin grew up in a multigenerational household, surrounded by family members who leaned on one another to get by. Her parents left everything behind to start over in a new country, working tirelessly to build a life. Even when money was tight, they always found a way to help others by sending support to relatives back home and showing Jackelin what it means to lead with compassion.

That foundation shaped how Jackelin sees the world. She’s drawn to nursing not just as a career, but as a calling—to advocate for those who feel unseen, to speak up where language becomes a barrier, and to offer care that reflects the culture and values of her community. She’s seen what happens when patients aren’t heard, when explanations fall short, and when people leave appointments more confused than when they arrived. She wants to change that.

Jackelin’s path forward starts at Long Beach City College, where she’s laying the groundwork to become a bilingual nurse and trusted voice in healthcare. Her vision is clear: to build bridges between providers and patients, and to ensure that every family, no matter their background, feels supported, informed, and respected.