INSPIRATION: Samuel Jacobo proves that one can come from anywhere and succeed.
By Matt Kaye, Staff Writer
Getting into college takes a lot of effort; good grades and impressive extra-curricular activities are just a few of the requirements. In a nutshell, determination is what it takes.
Samuel Jacobo, a graduate of neighboring Norte Vista High School, proved just how determined he is. As a young boy, he grew up in downtown Los Angeles. After many years of hardship, Jacobo found himself with a good chance to attend college: Questbridge. QuestBridge is a nonprofit organization that devotes its cause to recognizing hardworking students from low-income families. Recently, Jacobo left for Stanford University as a QuestBridge scholar.
Jacobo spent most of his early years in the streets of Los Angeles. Many times he and his family struggled to find a bed for the night and were forced to sleep without shelter. Before he began high school, his family moved to the Inland Empire where he still faced disadvantages. He started out at Moreno Valley High School for a semester and then
moved to Norte Vista where he achieved academic excellence. Against the odds, Jacobo graduated with a 4.6 cumulative GPA. He found time to study, stayed up late working hard on school work and showed that he was not going to let his financial situation limit him.
Jacobo’s story has affected many in Riverside. This story offers inspiration to many students who face similar disadvantages and even to those who do not. “It’s inspirational because he came from nothing and would go to extremes to work hard to become something,” Jade Valenciano (10) stated.
Jacobo overcame the difficulties he faced, and he wants to encourage others to have the same motivation. “In the end, it’s what you really want to fight for,” Jacobo said.