Jacquelyn McPherson '24 Recruiting Profile

The year 2020 will forever be etched in my memory as a year of challenges and profound growth. It was a year when my family and I faced a series of crises that tested our strength and resilience. Amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic, my life took an unexpected and difficult turn.

I was a defiant, unmotivated and deeply unhappy teenager. I allowed others to take advantage of me and my actions pushed my parents to their limits. The world seemed to crumble around me as the pandemic forced shutdowns and distance learning. These circumstances exacerbated my already fragile mental state, leading me to make a fateful decision. I attempted to end my life by overdosing on my medications. I was rushed to Rady Children’s Hospital. This marked the beginning of a series of intensive psychiatric evaluations and treatments that would reshape my life.

During this turmoil, my parents recognized the importance of soccer in my life. They understood that soccer was more than a sport to me; it was a lifeline. It provided me with the sense of belonging, camaraderie, and purpose that I desperately needed during this period. My parents made an extraordinary commitment to prioritize both soccer and my mental health. As I reflect on the trials of 2020, I see a transformation that I would have never anticipated. I refused to let adversity define me. Instead, I used it as a catalyst for growth. I dove headfirst into school and sports. By my senior year, I was juggling not only academics and athletics but also working two jobs and taking on a leadership role in my school’s Associated Student Body. This experience taught me time management and dedication.

One of the most significant turning points in my journey occurred when I met my therapist, Dominique, at residential. At that time, she may not have known the profound impact she would have on my life, but looking back, I am a testament to her dedication and unwavering support. Dominique helped me navigate the ups and downs of my behavior, always delivering candid and honest guidance. I found comfort in knowing she was on my side, especially during the times when I felt disconnected from my family. Dominique became my inspiration, a light that led me out of the darkest corners of my mind when I felt the most hopeless and defeated. Her belief in my ability to overcome adversity instilled a determinationin me that I had never known before. I made a promise to myself that one day, I would pay her kindness and support forward by being there for someone else in need, just as she was for me. That’s why the psychology program represents the perfect opportunity for me to continue this transformative journey and ultimately make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Through the love and support of my family, the refuge of club and high school soccer, and the guidance of Dominique, I have emerged from thedarkness as a strong, more resilient individual. Soccer has instilled in me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. It’s where I’ve made friendships and learned how to handle both success and setbacks gracefully. This sport has not only helped me keep physically fit, but also mentally capable of handling my stress.

As I embark on my college journey, I carry with me the lessons of 2020 – the importance of resilience, the value of genuine support, and the belief that I too can make a positive impact on someone else’s life. In the face of adversity, I found not only survival, but a newfound determination to THRIVE!