College : Undecided Career goal : Attorney or law enforcement

About Jasmine : For Jasmine Louha , the intimate setting of J . E . Young Academic Center was the perfect fit . She has excelled there , achieving outstanding grades as she prepares to go away to college . She has Tourette ’ s Syndrome , which is accompanied by anxiety and stress at times . She said , “ I ’ m the type of person who likes to be in a small community . J . E . Young was a peaceful environment .”

At J . E . Young , students study independently . In-person meetings with teachers depend on the number of credits students are working on . The school offers an array of services to keep students on track to graduate . Jasmine was able to graduate early , in October , when she was 16 . Jasmine was born in Selma but completed most of her education prior to high school in Mexico , where her parents are from . She also attended Fresno Unified ’ s eLearn Academy .

Jasmine is ready for the next challenge , to go away to college . She said , “ I truly want to get out of my comfort zone . I love to travel , meet new people and experience new cultures .” Jasmine is fascinated with the psychological aspect of the criminal justice system , with plans to pursue a law degree or a career in law enforcement .

In Jasmine ’ s words : “ All my skills have been built at J . E . Young . That gave me confidence .”

From Jessica Silva , counselor at J . E . Young Academic Center : “ I would describe Jasmine as a warm hearted and empathetic person . She is a very dedicated and hardworking student . Best of all she is a big Swiftie !”

College : Fresno City College Career goal : Elementary teacher

In Cynthia ’ s words : “ Even when things were difficult , I was always pushed to overcome the obstacles and succeed .”

About Cynthia : Through a summer program for Fresno Unified high school students interested in teaching , Cynthia Lopez Leon found her calling . She is glad to not only have found a career path she enjoys , but one that will allow her to help her family financially . Cynthia grew up in a family of eight where money was so tight they sometimes could not pay their utility bill . Without a free hotspot and laptop from Fresno Unified , she would not have had internet to do her schoolwork . Learning about being a teacher through the Fresno Unified Teacher Academy gave her goals and hope for the future . She was assigned last summer to a kindergarten class at Rowell Elementary School , her former school . She worked with teacher Rosa Navarro-Macias , who became a mentor .

Cynthia did not transfer to J . E . Young until her senior year was already underway , but it turned out to be a great choice . The small campus , staff support and option to do her schoolwork independently fit her life . “ I felt welcomed and supported by every teacher and staff I talked to . I never once felt discouraged , and my confidence grew . I participated in clubs , dual enrollment and school activities that I would have not participated in before ,” Cynthia said .

From Rosa Navarro-Macias , teacher at Rowell Elementary School and Cynthia ’ s Summer Academy supervisor : “ She was an amazing mentor and role model for my summer school students last summer . I ’ m so proud of her .”

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