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Alumna follows path inspired by San Jacinto College professors
PASADENA, Texas – San Jacinto College (SJC) graduate, Jannell Robles, is making her mark in the world of academia one essay at the time, beginning with a page in the Winter 2009 issue of the Harvard Educational Review.
In her essay, “Barriers to Success: A Narrative of One Latina Student’s Struggles,” Robles explores some of the challenges encountered throughout her undergraduate education and in Mexico while studying abroad. She reflects on the internal contradictions faced as a first-generation Latina college student and on her positionality in a rural Mexican town as a participant in a 17-day anthropology field school. Additionally, she describes how she overcame such challenges through faith, family, and the strength gained from people on campus.
Selection into one of the country’s most prestigious publications proves Robles has followed an academic path of excellence, first inspired by her SJC anthropology professor Dr. Pamela Maack and sociology professor Tina Mougouris.
“They inspired and encouraged me to pursue more than I ever imagined,” said Robles, who attended SJC from 2005-2007 and now holds a bachelor degree in anthropology from the University of North Texas (UNT).
Such encouragement from her professors led Robles to apply for a 10-week intensive summer research program in Denton, Texas, prior to her time at UNT.
“They told me that the National Science Foundation (NSF) summer program was a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity, and they were right,” Robles said. “The program changed my life.”
Robles also turned to her SJC professors when she applied to the McNair Scholars Fellowship Program. Maack said all of Robles’ professors were eager to write recommendation letters for their student.
“I was privileged to have taught Jannell and I continue to be privileged in watching her grow both personally and academically,” said Maack, who serves as the honors coordinator at the Central campus. “As they say, it takes a village to raise a child. Here at San Jacinto College, we work hard to support our student’s endeavors.”
Robles said she plans to pursue a doctoral program in anthropology and continue her research related to the experience of Latinos to create positive social change for marginalized communities through scholarship, activism, and community involvement.
San Jacinto College serves more than 27,000 students in over 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. Students come with various goals and aspirations and we are committed to their success. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.
For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150 or visit www.sanjac.edu.
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