Student Spotlight: Jasie Green

When I started my first year of college, I thought I had everything figured out. Turns out, that was far from the truth.

I began my journey in higher education at a bigger university, surrounded by thousands of students. In theory, I thought I would love being around large groups of people, countless social opportunities, and big lectures with hundreds of students. I quickly realized that I felt like just another number, all while struggling to figure out what I wanted to study and do with my degree. Finding your place in a new environment can be difficult, but I was not going to give up on my academic, athletic, and professional goals.

At the time, I hadn’t yet decided on a major, but after transferring I found clarity and purpose. It was at Northern New Mexico College that I committed to pursuing a degree in Electrical Mechanical Engineering, a field that sparked my curiosity and matched my drive to solve complex problems. Choosing a path in STEM felt both exciting and intimidating, especially as a woman in a field where we are still underrepresented. But that decision gave me a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

Transferring brought me to Northern New Mexico College, where I found success in both academics and athletics. I embraced new opportunities and took on diverse roles, serving as Student Senate President, earning a spot on the Dean’s List, competing as a student-athlete, working as an HEP Tutor, and recruiting for the High School Equivalency Program.

I found myself in a leadership position after being voted to serve as the Student Senate President, which unlocked a passion inside of me for giving back to my student community. In my role working for the High School Equivalency Program, I was able to help other students struggling with educational access to chase the same academic success I was chasing.

Finally, navigating the delicate balance between schoolwork and athletics was transformative in helping me develop new skills. As a student-athlete and a woman in STEM, I was committed to achieving academic excellence in a demanding field. I was even the first person in my cohort to receive my Computer-Aided Design (CAD) certificate, a credential that shows proficiency in the software used to create technical drawings and models in engineering. The experiences I gained after transferring schools not only helped shape my character but also challenged me to reach new heights.

As I navigated balancing my extracurriculars, I pushed myself to find success in everything I was putting my time into. I no longer felt like just another person on campus. I was completely immersed in campus life and making a difference in my community.

In May, I will graduate with an Electrical Mechanical Engineering degree and a variety of college experiences that I will carry with me into my professional career. Looking back, transferring schools was the best decision I could have made. My experience not only gave me a second chance in higher education but also helped me realize my full potential and a sense of purpose.

To any students who feel stuck or unsure about their college decision, I hope my journey can inspire you to explore new possibilities and step outside of your comfort zones. Even though it can be scary, starting over can sometimes be the key to finding something far better for you.