SCHOLAR PROFILE

Jacob Desjardins | Class of 2023

Regis Diverse Educators Scholarship

Education major Jacob Desjardins ’23 remembers the moment he knew he wanted to become a teacher. He was volunteering with his church at a summer camp when he met Anabelle, a camper who had a rare heart disease that required her to get a pulmonary catheter.

“I was always inspired by her positive attitude and determination,” says Desjardins. “Everything was a little harder for her but she didn’t allow that to get in the way of enjoying her camp experience.”

Desjardins remembers when Anabelle made her first shot in cornhole after practicing diligently with her all week. “Her pure joy gave me an overwhelming feeling that I made a difference in this child's life,” says Desjardins. “Inspiring kids like her has shown me that I am meant to be a teacher. If she can push through all of these medical conditions with a smile on her face, she deserves a teacher who will put love and care into their work.”

Thanks to the Regis Diverse Educators Scholarship—a full-tuition, four-year scholarship for students committed to serving underrepresented populations in education— Desjardins has the chance to fulfill his dream. “Without this scholarship, I would not be here,” he says. “My family and I are forever grateful for this funding.”

Desjardins is passionate about finding ways to support each of his students so they can succeed academically. “You may never know what someone is going through in their home life,” says Desjardins. “As an educator, I want my students to feel safe and happy at school no matter what they may be dealing with outside of school.”

Desjardins is also grateful for the Regis community and his professors for providing an inclusive environment where each student is more than just a number. “Regis has helped me grow into a strong individual who is not afraid to ask for help,” says Desjardins. “Everyone at Regis wants to be a source of success for you, and I want to be that person for my students in the future.”

 

Read the Spirit of Giving: Report on Philanthropy [2021-2022]