Jasmin Gomez Finds Purpose in Elementary Education to become Island University Outstanding Graduate
Jasmin Gomez Finds Purpose in Elementary Education to become Island University Outstanding Graduate
A leap of faith set Jasmin Gomez 21’ on a path of happiness and discovery. The San Antonio native came to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi with the intention of eventually becoming a dentist – but after an internship in the dental field and some self-reflection, Gomez switched her major to education during her sophomore year. Gomez was named the Outstanding Graduate for the College of Education and Human Development for fall 2021. The designation is sponsored by the TAMU-CC Office of the Provost. Gomez received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Interdisciplinary Studies with STEM focus.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A leap of faith set Jasmin Gomez 21’ on a path of happiness and discovery. The San Antonio native came to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi with the intention of eventually becoming a dentist – but after an internship in the dental field and some self-reflection, Gomez switched her major to education, with a focus on STEM, during her sophomore year.
“Changing my major to become a STEM educator has made me the happiest I have ever been,” Gomez said. “Knowing I will positively change lives and share my knowledge with future generations is rewarding.”
Gomez was named the Outstanding Graduate for the College of Education and Human Development for fall 2021. The designation is sponsored by the TAMU-CC Office of the Provost. Gomez will receive a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Interdisciplinary Studies (Early childhood-sixth grade) with a focus in science, technology, engineering, and math, better known as STEM. She has a 3.587 GPA and has made the Dean’s List every semester since fall 2019, including summer sessions. She is a recipient of the Frederick P. Kroeger Memorial Scholarship Endowment, the Estill Foundation Endowed Scholarship, and the Texas Council of Teachers of Mathematics Scholarship.
Gomez said she had her choice of colleges, but TAMU-CC was the perfect fit for her.
“When I got the opportunity to visit the Island University, I immediately fell in love,” Gomez said. “All the faculty and staff were welcoming and supporting, and the campus was beautiful. I felt welcomed, safe, and comfortable. I felt as if I were home.”
During her time as an education major, Gomez, a McNair Scholar, researched the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on elementary schoolers in math under the direction of Dr. Faye Bruun, TAMU-CC Professor of Education. The McNair Scholars program is a federal TRIO program that is designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities.
Gomez is also the recipient of multiple awards and held various campus leadership positions, including:
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers: Vice President
- Dean’s Undergraduate Council
- Queen Beauty Club: Social Media Representative: 2019-2020
- Student Council of Math and Science Teachers: President
“Jasmin is very self-motivating,” Bruun said. “I suggested that she get involved with the Student Council of Math and Science teachers, and she ended up becoming President of the organization.”
Bruun said Gomez’s dedication was evident during the pandemic, as she had to go back home to San Antonio. Despite the situation, Gomez faithfully attended her classes remotely, and even used the material she was taught in class to help her younger sister with math problems.
Gomez is currently student teaching fourth-grade math and science to West Oso Elementary School students as part of her undergraduate work.
“Being in the classroom with these kids has been such an amazing experience,” Gomez said. “I have met some of the brightest kids and I’ve worked with the most amazing people at West Oso.”
Perhaps Gomez’s most significant impact as an Islander is to serve as a role model to first-year students. Gomez is an outstanding active member of the TRIO Student Support Services STEM (SSS-STEM) program, helping to mentor incoming students by sharing her story of how she transitioned from San Antonio to Corpus Christi, along with the resources she used that are available to those same students.
“Jasmin has significantly evolved since she walked through my doors as a freshman to where she is today as a senior,” said Heather Herrera, SSS-STEM Director. “She’s very independent and passionate about her education and career that she wants to obtain once she’s done. Working with Jasmin monthly throughout her time at the Island University really demonstrates the importance of student success in higher education. At TRIO SSS-STEM, we are so proud of Jasmin.”
After graduation, Gomez plans to obtain her master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology in the eventual pursuit of a job with the aerospace company Boeing.
