A Senior’s Path Showcases JEP’s Universe of Opportunities
What started as a simple search for a work-study position turned into a three-year journey of growth, leadership, and community impact for USC senior Jade. Since spring 2022, she has participated in nearly every program JEP offers, each role building upon the last to create a unique tapestry of service and learning.
“Although I initially only joined JEP because I was looking for a work-study job, I fell in love with the program,” Jade reflects. Her journey began as a ReadersPLUS tutor, where she discovered her passion for working with young students. This initial experience led her to take on increasingly responsible roles, eventually becoming a ReadersPLUS site coordinator at Norwood Elementary and later advancing to Math Director.
But Jade’s involvement didn’t stop there. She helped facilitate Little Yoginis sessions, led WonderKids STEM activities, joined Trojan Health Volunteers’ COPE health scholar team, and participated in an anatomy mini-team assignment as part of JEP’s service-learning programming. Each engagement offered unique challenges and opportunities for growth.
“JEP has helped my communication and leadership skills grow massively,” she explains. “I came in as a tutor nervous about my first session, and left having led leadership teams, taught entire classrooms of students, and integrated new programs with school faculty and staff.”
These diverse experiences often intersected in meaningful ways. While coordinating ReadersPLUS at Norwood, Jade helped incorporate after-school programs like Little Yoginis and WonderKids, creating new opportunities for student engagement. One particularly memorable moment came during a WonderKids lesson about stem cells. “Usually pretty quiet, this student came alive,” Jade remembers. “She answered and asked questions to our guest speaker with a depth and knowledge that warmed my heart. Had we not integrated this program, I might have missed witnessing her passion and talent for science.”
Jade’s story exemplifies how JEP’s various programs can complement each other, creating comprehensive development opportunities for USC students while serving community needs. From one-on-one tutoring to program coordination, from yoga instruction to health volunteering, each role has contributed to her growth as a leader and community member.
“What makes me so passionate about JEP is the opportunities to make an impact and build relationships with our community,” Jade shares. “I’ve learned so much from the students and teachers I’ve worked with and built connections that will last a lifetime.”
Her journey through JEP’s programs demonstrates how one opportunity can open doors to many others, creating a meaningful mosaic of service, learning, and community connection. For students wondering about getting involved with JEP, Jade’s experience shows that the first step – whether it’s applying for a work-study position or signing up for a service-learning assignment – can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths of growth and impact.