Jessica Berka '16 Recruiting Profile

Who am I ?

Growing up, I encountered many challenges in order to get where I am today. Several years ago, my father was severely injured at his job, forcing my family into near bankruptcy, and my home into litigation for foreclosure, which we are still tackling in court. Throughout this ordeal, my mother has been my knight in shining amour, doing everything in her power to ensure that I reach my dreams, but she can only stretch her dollar so far. Today, I am a Senior at St Dominic’s High School in Oyster Bay New York, and I am very thankful for being able to obtain a scholarship which helped defray some of the cost and allowed me to continue my education at St. Dominic’s. Nothing has come easy to me, and I have given up many opportunities due to financial hardships. My parents have made many sacrifices so that I would be able to continue my Catholic education, and I am so very grateful.

I was able to make the Varsity Volleyball team my freshman year and continued to play on Varsity all four years. I did have to overcome a challenge in Freshman year, when I broke my wrist at the fourth game of the season. I was told I could not finish out the season by my doctor and was devastated. I did not want to lose my spot on the team. So, I continued to go to all practices and games, even though I could not play, I was there to support my team. I was there to get them water, to cheer for them, and to keep them motivated. I was so happy that even though I could not play, I still felt that I was part of the team and next season I did make the varsity team again. My last year I was elected captain and received “The Most Valuable Player Award” two consecutive years in a row. Volleyball has and always will be my passion. I have also been able to achieve second honors, keeping an 85.5 average. I hope to end my senior year being on first honors, with a minimum 90% average. The faculty and teachers at St. Dominic’s have given me the tools, educationally, athletically, and spiritually, to continue on my next journey which will be attending college. Although I am uncertain of my major, I believe I want to pursue a major where I will be helping people. Whether it be Criminology, or Health Services, I know I want to study in a field that will have me working in a position that aids people.

My family, friends, teammates, and teachers have all showed me how to work hard and to hold on to the keys of success, which is honesty, integrity, love and loyalty. All of these keys, will travel with me on my next journey and beyond!