“He is the reason I show up every day, so I do what it takes to show up as my best self. This includes not only being there for him, but also showing him that we can be there for other people.”

Jessica Eyster has demonstrated persistence throughout her life. Despite hardships at home, she found her path through the support of her best friend, Annie, and her involvement in her high school’s Global Education program. Approaching her education with a worldly perspective helped Jessica change her trajectory, graduate, and go on to enroll in Schoolcraft College where she made the Dean’s list and earned her associate degree in liberal arts.

Since graduating high school, Jessica has consistently worked to build a brighter future, steadily employed as a server and bartender in Ann Arbor. As her general manager describes: “She makes the extra effort to make sure that each and every guest is well taken care of; making everyone feel welcome, giving them a sense of belonging.” Now enrolled at the University of Michigan, Jessica’s empathetic nature is a strength in her field of study. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in community action and social change. Jessica is also proud of her sobriety, which she views as another step toward achieving her goals, writing, “Without alcohol, I can clearly see the possibilities that lie ahead.”

As Jessica returns to school at the age of 30, and as the mother to a three-year-old son, her main goal is to build a stable life for him: “He is the reason I show up every day, so I do what it takes to show up as my best self. This includes not only being there for him, but also showing him that we can be there for other people.” Following graduation, Jessica plans to work with nonprofit organizations, helping children in need and bridging the gaps between organizations and the people they serve. 

CEW+ commends Jessica’s remarkable empathy and names her the Jane and Bill Bloom Scholar.