Jefflyne’s Take Stock Story
Jefflyne, the first in her family to graduate high school, is paving a new path for herself, her family, and her community through education.
Jefflyne Desilme’s Take Stock Story starts in Monroe County...
What is it like for a first-generation college student to attend college? There can be a mix of feelings, from excitement to anxiety. Many students find themselves away from family and in a new world, facing uncertain expectations for their careers and future. Because of Take Stock in Children, students like Jefflyne Desilme receive the support and tools to make it to college and pave their way toward academic success for themselves and their families.
Jefflyne Desilme’s Take Stock in Children story starts in Monroe County, where she joined Take Stock’s mentoring and college readiness program in the 7th grade. Jefflyne was known as a hardworking student with big goals for her future while in the program.
Jefflyne challenged herself with over 10 Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement courses...
At Key West High School, Jefflyne challenged herself with balancing her class load of taking over 10 Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement courses, working 30 hours a week, and participating in extra-curricular activities such as Beta Club, Zonta Club, Habitat for Humanity, and The Experiment in International Living. Additionally, she demonstrated leadership by contributing her gift of teaching and caring for others by serving as a peer mentor and tutor and advocating for the Haitian community by providing translation support to families who speak Creole.
Jefflyne graduated from Key West High School in 2019. One of her many accomplishments that year was being awarded the Take Stock-Leaders for Life Fellowship, which provided the additional financial resources needed to attend university. Upon receiving her Leader 4 Life Fellowship, Jefflyne shared, “It is through Take Stock that I will have the opportunity to not worry about the financial burden of attending college and pursuing my dream of attending law school.” She reflected on her journey with Take Stock, saying, “I know now that I will set an example for my baby sisters and that they will one day work towards opportunities I never imagined. I am the first in my family to graduate from high school, and in just a few years, I will address my mother in my university cap and gown and tell her, ‘We did it.’”
One of her many accomplishments that year was being awarded the distinguished honor of being a Take Stock Leaders 4 Life Fellow.
Like many students in the Take Stock program, Jefflyne was a first-generation college student and the first in her family to attend college. Following high school graduation, Jefflyne attended the University of Central Florida, where she graduated in 2022 with a degree in Legal Studies and a minor in Political Science/Pre-Law.
Today, Jefflyne is studying immigration law at Florida International University. Take Stock’s scholarship, mentorship, and support allowed Jefflyne to pursue her dreams and follow her personal and academic goals. With the right support and determination to succeed, Jefflyne has inspired many on her pathway to academic success. She’s also been able to break the cycle of poverty through education in her family and start a new legacy of impact for her community.
“It is through Take Stock that I will have the opportunity to not worry about the financial burden of attending college and pursuing my dream of attending law school,” Jefflyne shared as she reflected on her journey with Take Stock. “I know now that I will set an example for my baby sisters and that they will one day work towards opportunities I never imagined. I am the first in my family to graduate from high school, and in just a few years, I will address my mother in my university cap and gown and tell her, ‘We did it.’”
-Jefflyne Deslime
You did it, Jefflyne! You did it!
As we prepare to celebrate the next generation of Take Stock graduates, college scholars, and cycle breakers, it starts with a small gift that means so much.
Join in congratulating the Class of 2023 by gifting a graduation package, which includes a Take Stock medallion and the 2023 College Success Guide.
When you donate $25, you provide one student with insightful tools to help them navigate college! Send a graduation package today: