Hometown Winsted Age 21 Dream Job To work in the social work field
J
essica Tessman is a first-generation college student who became a Graphic Design graduate from Oliver Wolcott Technical High School in June 2014. The same year as her graduation, she continued her education; in May 2017 she received an Associate’s Degree in Human Services from Northwestern Connecticut Community College (NCCC). Jessica is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), with an expected graduation date of May 2020.
was a Team Success Scholar, a Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society member, and Treasurer for the Student Senate. On NCCC’s campus, she enjoyed volunteering for the Connecticut Mobile Food Bank Pantry once a month. She loved seeing community members work together to provide fresh, local produce to residents.
In October 2015, Jessica started working her first job, at Beardsley Library. She was an after-school program leader, and occasionally worked the circulation desk. At Beardsley, through her customer service, she Jessica has overcome a gained a stronger sense number of obstacles, and of community. has motivated herself throughout her life so During Jessica’s time at that she could succeed. NCCC, she had the opHer goal is to make a portunity, through Team positive impact, not just Success Scholars, to in her community, but attend a human rights worldwide. Jessica’s ex- conference in Oxford, periences inspired her England in the spring of to pursue employment 2017. The conference in the social work field. opened her eyes to the At a young age, she ex- world, motivating her to perienced financial hard- travel and give back to ships, so she understands low-income populations. what it is like to grow up Shortly after arriving in a low-income house- home from Oxford, Jeshold. Jessica is driven sica was named a 2017 to become an advocate New Century Coca-Cola and provide support to Scholar in recognition of low-income populations. her leadership and academic achievements. At NCCC, Jessica was actively involved. She In July 2017, Jessica had
Q: What is ONE change you would make to better the region?
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Tessman Jessica
the opportunity to work alongside the American Mural Project (AMP), collaborating with interns and professional artists. AMP allowed her to dive deeper into the community. She traveled outside Litchfield County and interviewed blue collar Americans who were included in the mural. Through this experience, she gained more confidence in herself.
Upon entering CCSU in September 2017, Jessica became involved with the Central Activities Network, for which she helped organize CCSU community events. That semester, she acquired a leadership position in her Hall Council as Secretary, and also discovered her
passion for volunteering at the campus’s food pantry, called Maria’s Place. Jessica enjoys being involved in her community, and plans to make a difference in the world. Through CCSU, Jessica provided hurricane relief to the Houston, Texas community in March 2018. She helped by building a home, and volunteered for the Houston Food Bank. Jessica likes seeing community members active and engaged. She enjoys helping others and is excited about starting her career in the social work field. Her goal is to work with food-insecure populations and to provide empowerment, both internationally and locally.
A: Litchfield County members should become more connected. One change would be to organize more functions so townspeople can get together. We need to become active members in our community.
A: Teleportation, so I can rescue people quickly that are in trouble, internationally or locally.
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