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I was born in Salineño, Texas, through a midwife. My birthplace was the midwife's house. I was born into a low socioeconomic family. My mother is illiterate, and my father only attended a few years of elementary school. -
During this time, I didn't know how to speak English. I tried my best to learn it from my teachers and peers. I didn't know anything about learning. All I knew was I wanted to be like the other kids. The kids knew what they were doing when the teacher asked them to complete a task. -
I attended Rio Grande City Middle and High Schools in Texas. I was grasping the English language during middle school, and I did not feel so left out. Or so I thought. I attended high school from 1987 through 1990. In 1990, I dropped out of high school to get married. I left school, but my internal desire to continue with my education burned inside me. -
Jacqueline gives birth to her first son. During this period, I continue to learn by being self-taught. I aspired to become an intelligent young lady by continuing my high school education. I started taking classes to earn her GED. -
I give birth to my second child, a daughter. I continued with my education by enrolling at South Texas Vo-Tech to earn my phlebotomist license. I graduated in 1995. -
Jacqueline received her GED diploma from Rio Grande City High School in April 1994. I felt I was on top of the world because I earned my GED. -
My husband was killed. I became a widow. The following years were tough, but I never gave up on education. -
I attended South Texas Community College on and off from 1995-2000. I did not graduate. I went on to attend the University of Cosmetology and graduated in 1999. -
In 1999, I graduated from the University of Cosmetology. That same year, I met Mr. Garcia. We developed a relationship that lasted 16 years, and the relationship produced two children. -
I enrolled in the online program at Ashford University. I pursued a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Media Communications. -
In 2017, I graduated from Ashford University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communications. Thanks be to God! -
On December 10, 2017, I arrived in the small town of Saint James, Minnesota. I began working at the middle and high schools as a paraprofessional in the special education department. -
I left the town of St. James and relocated to Burnsville. I began to work at Academic Arts High School in West St. Paul, MN. -
I continued to work at Academic Arts High School and decided to enroll in the Special Education Master's Program at Bethel University. -
I graduated with a Master's in Education from Bethel University. I am becoming the lady God has asked me to be. -
In June 2024, I began the enrollment process in the doctoral program at Bethel University. I was admitted. I resigned from Academic Arts High School and was hired as a due process special education coordinator at Friendly Hills Middle School. I'm on my way to becoming a leader. Thank you, God!