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Jasmine Varkey learned that finding your voice sometimes begins with taking the harder path. After graduating from Venice High School, Jasmine found herself choosing between attending a four-year university immediately or starting at community college. Like many first-generation students, finances weighed heavily on her decision. Her parents, who came to the United States from India hoping to build a better life for their family, worried about how they would afford college. Wanting to continue her education without placing a financial burden on her family, Jasmine chose Los Angeles Valley College, following in the footsteps of her older sister, one of her role models, who had also attended Valley before transferring to UCLA.
At first, Jasmine planned to study political science, inspired by an AP Government class she took in high school. But uncertainty about future careers led her to switch temporarily to business administration. During her freshman year, a counseling error placed her into the wrong class, delaying her academic plans and leaving her frustrated and overwhelmed. Instead of allowing the setback to define her, Jasmine used it as a turning point.
“I was really upset,” she said. “But around that time, I was getting involved in extracurriculars that had to do with political science because that’s what I originally loved.” That decision changed everything, resulting in her changing her major to political science.
After receiving an email about open positions in student government, Jasmine applied for the role of Chief Justice and was appointed to the position before later being elected by students. Through student government, she began organizing campus events, speaking with students, and advocating for changes that could improve student life at Valley College.
Through her participation in student government, Jasmine attended conferences in Washington D.C and leadership events across California, where she discovered a passion for advocacy and policy work. Today, she serves as Legislative Affairs Director for the Student Senate for California Community Colleges, helping to represent and advocate on behalf of 14 community colleges across Los Angeles.
“And so that was made possible because of Los Angeles Valley College,” Jasmine said. “I would have never known anything about the organization if I didn’t spend my time in student government.”
Now preparing to transfer to UCLA, Jasmine hopes to pursue a degree in Public Affairs and continue working in policy and advocacy. This summer, she will intern with the City of Los Angeles Department on Disability as an executive office intern, continuing the work she feels deeply passionate about: helping people through legislation and public service.
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