Jayla Corpus: AAUW Mentee
Jayla Corpus is a senior at Cesar Chavez High School in Stockton and the oldest of her family’s four children. A native of Stockton, Jayla participates in programs at the Stockton branch of the American Association of University Women. She was chosen to attend AAUW’s Tech Trek Science Camp to learn more about STEM; from there, she entered the group’s Mentor Program that aims to empower young women to see their full potential and to help them envision a future that includes a college education. We asked Jayla what led her to become involved and what it’s meant to her over the course of her middle school and high school experience.
Q: How did you first hear about AAUW’s Tech Trek Science Camp?
A: My middle school science teacher, Mrs. Hicks, recommended that I apply to attend a science camp over the summer for young girls in STEM.
Q: What was the application process like?
A: I was a little scared because it was the first time in my life that I had to apply for something that involved writing a professional essay, interviewing with adults and putting myself out there more. Although it was scary, I made the cut and was able to attend science camp.
Q: How did you become involved in the AAUW’s Mentor Program?
A: After camp, I was generously offered the opportunity to join my local AAUW branch in Stockton’s Mentor Program, and I immediately said yes. I’m now a senior in high school and I’ve been a part of the program ever since.
Q: What sort of things have you learned in the program?
A: The mentors have taught me many things and have also given me so many new opportunities. I’ve learned a range of things, from how to interview for a job to how to start meditating.
Q: What is something memorable that you’ve experienced in the Mentor Program?
A: I remember one specific event when we visited a local college, the University of the Pacific, and I got to learn about so many career opportunities within the STEM field. I also got to try soldering for the first time, which is basically where you melt metal together, and I created my own memory game.
Q: On a personal level, what has your involvement with AAUW meant to you?
A: They’ve taught me a lot about what I’m capable of and what my future can become. My mentors have helped me with so many things. They’re all like my second mothers. They’ve helped me with applying to college and figuring out what I want to do in my future. They’ve also helped me with more personal things, like relationships and friendships, and I’m so grateful that they’re always there to give me words of wisdom, no matter what the topic is.
Q: Tell us a little about your family!
A: My parents were separated before I was born, so for the beginning of my childhood, I grew up with my single mother, who worked multiple jobs. She eventually met my stepfather, and together they gave me three younger sisters. I’m the oldest.
Q: How has growing up in Stockton shaped you?
A: I’ve lived in Stockton my whole life, and I’ve been able to see so many different perspectives while living here. From living with my mom in a small, run-down apartment to owning her own home in a nice neighborhood, I feel like I’ve been able to relate to a wide spectrum of people in one way or another.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: I love to crochet! I’ve been crocheting since I was in middle school, and I taught myself through YouTube tutorials. It’s super relaxing, and I love making gifts for my family and friends. It definitely comes in handy during the holiday season!
Q: Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?
A: I’ve been on my high school cheer team since my freshman year, spending two years on JV and two years on varsity, and I love it so much. Fun fact, I’ve actually done every stunting position, and one time, I did them all in a single routine! I’ve been in my school’s band program throughout all four years of high school. We have multiple ensembles, and I’m in all of them! I participate in jazz band, marching band, concert band and drumline. I play the clarinet, alto saxophone and marimba. Technically, I can play all the saxophones and mallet instruments, but those are my main instruments. I love band just as much as I love cheer, so I try my best to split my time between them evenly. I’m also the band president! And a funny story, I have a Siamese cat that I rescued from our band room, and I named him Treble, as in the treble clef. He is my absolute baby!
Q: What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
A: In the future, I hope to become a psychiatrist. I love school, and I want to finish college after high school with a STEM degree and continue my education in medical school. From there, I hope to become a doctor specializing in psychiatry.
