Help Jennie Study Abroad in Spain!

Hello! My name is Jennifer Novoa and I am a full-time college student at Modesto Junior College. I was born and raised here in the Central Valley of California. My mom is from Mexico and my dad is from El Salvador. I am the middle child in a family full of strong and determined women, not to mention that all of my sibling’s names start with the letter “J”! I have been blessed with a beautiful support system and great mentors throughout my life. It has been a goal of mine since I was a little girl to study abroad, and the time to fundraise is finally here!

I am finishing up my last semester at Modesto Junior College and I will be transferring to California State University, Stanislaus this Fall. While I am at CSU Stanislaus I aspire to study abroad in Bilbao, Spain! I am a Business Administration major and I will be obtaining a minor in Spanish.

 I am asking for your support so I can experience a full year on my own. For the first time I will have to overcome the challenges of living in another country and I will gain a better understanding of the world as well as of myself. I am excited to experience the diversity in Spain and get educated in an international setting which will help me develop as a bilingual business woman.

Throughout my life in the Central Valley I have devoted countless hours to becoming a better and stronger leader in my community. I attended Whitmore Charter School of Arts and Technology where I had outstanding grades throughout my entire elementary and middle school years. It was during that time where I found my passion in leadership and helping others. In 7th grade I was elected as Vice President of Ceres Rotary’s Interact Club and the following year I was elected as the President. This club's primary focus is to serve the community with a variety of volunteer opportunities! I was Valedictorian of my eighth grade class and I was also awarded the Philanthropist of the year.

I graduated from Central Valley (CV) High School in June of 2019. While at CV, I was a student-athlete involved in softball, volleyball, basketball and track & field for all four years. Throughout my seasons I received multiple awards such as Most Improved, Most Valuable Player, Coaches Award and Leadership Excellence! I was also on the Honor Roll receiving gold and silver awards all four years.

Now I am a full-time college student at Modesto Junior College (MJC), currently taking 17 units and on the Dean’s List for my academic excellence. During my time at MJC I have served on the Executive Team of the Associated Students of MJC my first year serving as the Director of Student Relations and the second year serving as the  Student Body President. Not to mention that I am also serving as the 16th female and 6th Latina in MJC's 99 years of existence! Aside from student leadership, I have also been involved in programs like Project LEAD, TRIO SSS, as well as Leadership Book Clubs.

For the past six years I have had the pleasure of attending my most favorite community event called Night to Shine, hosted by the Society of Disabilities. At this event I get the privilege of creating an unforgettable Prom Night experience centered on God’s love, for people with special needs. Every year I help my date get ready, we have a fancy dinner, and then dance the night away! And the best part is I’ve had the honor of accompanying my beautiful cousin Elisa Fé, who has downs syndrome, on this memorable night. 

I am currently enrolled in RCIA courses at St. Joseph's Catholic Church so I can obtain my Sacrament of Confirmation. I am also a member at New Life Christian Center. At New Life I have had the opportunity to attend two mission trips! The first one was in November of 2018, where my team and I drove to Mexico to help build a home for a homeless family of five. While we were there we also had the opportunity to minister to the locals. On my second mission trip in 2019, my team and I renovated a neighborhood Church in a very rural part of Mexico. I was blessed with the chance to help lead a three day series filled with faith-based curriculum and activities for the local children. My third mission trip was planned for the Summer of 2020 in Panama but because of COVID19 we were unable to go. And before the lockdown I was actively volunteering with the Embrace Program, which provides children’s ministry for kids with special needs.

I have a great love for my community and am constantly finding ways to give back. I am currently working as a Research Analysis Intern for the Executive Director of Love Stanislaus, a nonprofit organization. I am also a Student Worker at MJC working under the direction of the Campus Life Director.

My ask is that you please help me fund my educational goal of studying abroad for a year at the University of the Basque Country (UPV) in Bilbao, Spain. Your support will go towards the cost of my tuition, airfare, housing, food, and school expenses like textbooks and transportation.

I look forward to coming back after my studies abroad to share the wealth of knowledge that I will have gained with my community. My goal is to mentor the young people of my community by being a constant reminder that anything is possible, regardless of personal barriers and socioeconomic status. I will be fundraising $20,000 for the next 178 days!!! I need your help to make my dreams come true! Please contribute in any way you can. Prayers and donations for raffle baskets are also needed and greatly appreciated!

In return for your support I promise to keep you posted on my educational journey abroad and I will share my experiences with you ! If you have any more questions I am open to sharing my goals and future plans, feel free to message me on Instagram @ilyjen. Thank you!