Student Spotlight: Jacqueline Tovar
By Tony Scott

Jacqueline Tovar plans to graduate in the fall of 2026 with a nursing degree. (Photo by
Jacqueline Tovar)

Jacqueline Tovar, a nursing major with a Spanish minor who plans to graduate in the fall of 2026, is the first in her family to attend a four-year university. 
 

“I am proud to be a first-generation college student, but I’m fortunate that two of my older sisters attended community college,” she said. “Their experiences have been a great help in easing my transition to college life. Being a first-generation student has really motivated me to be very involved on campus as a way to repay my parents for all their sacrifices.”
 

Tovar grew up in Chicago. Her father is a landscaper, and her mother had a babysitting service while Tovar and her younger sister were little. Her mother now works in a factory. 

Tovar has received several scholarships to help her cross the finish line to graduation, including the CHANCE Program scholarship.

“As a first-generation student, my main concern was financial barriers, and receiving scholarships has played a crucial role in overcoming that challenge,” she said. “Financial assistance is essential for my ability to attend college, as without it, I would struggle to cover costs while balancing my other responsibilities. Being able to manage work, academics, and extracurriculars would be even harder if I had to pay for everything out of pocket. Scholarships have also allowed me to pursue leadership roles, internships, and extracurricular activities that are vital for my career development.”
 

Receiving scholarships has been a motivator for Tovar to keep going and maintain academic excellence.

“When I was awarded these scholarships, I felt validated, knowing that my hard work and dedication were recognized,” she said. “It inspires me to continue pushing toward my academic and professional goals, knowing that my efforts are making a difference and opening doors for my future.” 

For Tovar, the scholarships give her more than financial benefits, they also provide opportunities for professional development.

“For instance, responsibilities like completing service hours for the Huskies Service Scholars and advising students through my Honors Fellowship help me build critical skills in leadership, communication, and time management,” she said. “These experiences have expanded my understanding of the world and prepared me for my future career.”

She wants donors to know that their philanthropy makes a tremendous difference in the lives of students.

“For many of us, receiving a scholarship means the ability to attend college, pursue leadership opportunities, and gain valuable experiences that will shape our futures,” she said. “Their donation doesn’t just support tuition, it opens doors to career development, personal growth, and the chance to make a positive impact on the community. By donating, they’re helping students achieve their academic and professional goals, creating a ripple effect of success for generations to come.”

In addition to working two jobs and attending school, Tovar holds leadership positions in Kappa Delta Chi and Chi Alpha Epsilon, is involved in the University Honors Program as an honors fellow and serves as a mentor in the CHANCE Program.

“I joined these organizations because they align with my values and goals. As a first-generation student, I wanted to surround myself with like-minded individuals who were motivated to succeed. These organizations offer opportunities for leadership development, community service, and networking, which have been invaluable for my personal and professional growth. They also allow me to give back by supporting other students, especially those who come from similar backgrounds. Being part of these groups has not only enhanced my college experience but also reinforced my commitment to my education and future career.”

She lists one of her mentors as Deyci Ramirez, who was an instructor for her UNIV 101 University Experience class.

“From the moment I entered her class, I felt seen and welcomed,” she said. 

Tovar said Ramirez spoke Spanglish in class, which made her feel like she was with family, as it’s how she speaks with her own sisters at home. Ramirez also made sure the students knew about the resources available to them on campus.

“One thing about Deyci is that she always kept it real,” Tovar said. “She made sure we understood how things worked at school, whether it was about selecting classes, managing finances or navigating the college system. She was always willing to help, and her guidance truly made a difference in my college experience. Additionally, Deyci always emphasized the importance of being involved on campus. She frequently sent out information about available opportunities, which is how I got involved with Huskies Service Scholars. Her encouragement to engage outside of the classroom has been a great motivator in keeping me involved.”

Tovar said she hopes to work as a part-time certified nursing assistant closer to home in Chicago so she can be near family. Currently, she works two jobs – at the Holmes Student Center on the operations team and Dunkin’ Donuts – and while balancing work and school can  sometimes be difficult, she keeps the bigger picture in focus.

“There are days when I feel overwhelmed, and I ask myself if I can keep going,” she said. “But my ultimate motivation is my parents and all the sacrifices they've made for me. I often think about how my father works in the fields under the scorching sun for hours, and that helps me push through my busy schedule. To me, my hectic days at school and work don't even compare to what he has to endure. It can be exhausting, and sometimes I don't get home until really late at night. I leave my apartment early in the morning, and by the time I return, I'm physically drained.”

She continued, “But despite the exhaustion, I love it because it gives me a sense of purpose. It makes me feel like I’m doing something productive and meaningful, something that honors the sacrifices my parents have made. There are moments when I question how much longer I can keep this up, but then I remember why I’m doing it: for my family, for my future. It fills me with pride knowing that all the hard work I put in is for a greater good, my success and the chance to give back to those who have given me everything.”

To help Huskies like Jacqueline cross the finish line to graduation, please visit the NIU Foundation website.