Spring 2024 Commencement: Jasmin Lucas Goes From Struggle to Strength

Tri-C graduate overcame adversity and found purpose in social work

After spending years navigating her mental health struggles, Jasmin Lucas developed a passion for helping others overcome their own mental health challenges. The social workers Lucas worked with inspired her to be a pillar of strength and someone others can lean on for support.  

Lucas enrolled in Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) after dropping out of Cleveland State University. Her social workers encouraged her to tour Tri-C, and she fell in love with the support and community of the campuses. She enrolled in Fall 2022, making her the first person in her family to attend college.   

Lucas will graduate with an Associate of Arts during the College’s Spring Commencement on May 17 at the Wolstein Center. 

What will you do after graduation? Do you plan to transfer to a four-year school? If so, which one? What will you major in? 

After graduation, I plan to transfer to Cleveland State University to pursue my bachelor’s degree in social work. I plan to get my master’s degree there as well. 

Tell us about yourself.  

I am incredibly passionate about social work, sociology, psychology and philosophy. I also love music, creating artwork and analyzing my favorite video games.  

The struggles I had in my childhood regarding my mental health (depression, anxiety, PTSD and ADHD) are what led me to pursue social work. Despite the barriers I faced, my social workers and therapists changed my world for the better. Seeing how much they helped me resulted in my deep passion for helping others like me. I am also a first-generation Latino student, and college was a terrifying barrier for me. I’ve had to fight harder to be listened to and taken seriously. My limited budget and knowledge of the world resulted in me running into Cleveland State University blind. I soon dropped out. I was encouraged to start my journey at Tri-C by one of my social workers, and it was the best decision I made. There have been other life events that shaped my journey. During finals week in Fall 2023, my father passed away. I was so sure I couldn’t go on to finish the semester, but I decided that I could not give up now. I pushed myself to finish the semester and retain my 4.0 GPA.  

After my dad passed away, I met hospital social workers who agreed to help me further my career once I graduate. The topics I am the most passionate about in my profession concern mental health, children, hospital advocacy and macro social work. I am the most passionate about mental health due to my journey, along with being very sympathetic to the current mental health crisis in youths today. 

What made you choose Tri-C? When did you first enroll? 

I chose Tri-C due to how affordable it was, along with how safe I felt going to campus every day. I investigated Tri-C, and the promise of community and a caring staff drew me to enroll in Fall 2022. 

Describe your Tri-C experience. Has a specific person, class or event played a role in your success? 

My Tri-C experience has been one full of both highs and lows. Through intense life events and trying to keep up with school, it has been a wild ride. I have had many individuals help me on my journey through my time here.  

Transfer Specialist Allison Morgan became a rock for me to lean on. I have seen her throughout the semester, even when transfer questions were not my priority. Associate Professor Suzanne Cox eased my fear concerning credits. She was also there for me once my father passed away. The assistant dean of the Westshore Campus, Helen Sullivan, was also incredibly kind and understanding. I wouldn’t have been able to pass the Fall 2023 semester without her.  

Assistant Professor Joe Cummins, Adjunct Faculty Joseph Csizmadia, Associate Professor Brian Johnson, Program Director of the Youth Humanities Academy David Busch, Professor Michael Piero and Adjunct Faculty Eryn Bostwick have each left an indelible mark on my life. During a difficult period following the passing of my father, Piero and Bostwick demonstrated remarkable patience and support. Johnson and Busch also provided guidance through the grieving process and helped me overcome senioritis. Without their kindness and expertise, I wouldn't have reached this point in my academic journey. 

My Tri-C experience has changed my life for the better. I am now a 4.0 GPA student in the Mandel Honors Society. I was also accepted to the Mandel Honors Program at Cleveland State University, guaranteeing paid tuition for my bachelor’s degree. 

How has Tri-C changed your life? 

I came to Tri-C feeling like a wounded dog. I was anxious, fearful and less confident in my abilities. I was a high school graduate with an all-right GPA, but I lacked the passion to operate at my full potential. Going to Tri-C has turned me into a person completely in love with academia and learning. I am someone who has gone to conferences and has the confidence to network. Tri-C has made me realize that even if I had fallen before, it did not mean I was worthless. It simply meant I needed to get up and dust myself off before trying again.  

Do you participate in student life at Tri-C (or have you in the past)? If so, please describe your experiences. 

I love to participate in student life at Tri-C. I have accompanied the psychology club to the Akron Psychology Museum, attended countless Mandel events, attended Hamilton at Playhouse Square, and signed my name to many student life events. The weekly campus newsletter practically shapes my schedule. I am also the secretary of the Lambda Gender-Sexuality Alliance at the Westshore Campus, and I joined the Lambda Gender-Sexuality Alliance at the Western Campus. I have also attended many Gaming Club meetings at Westshore. 

Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share with students considering a similar degree or certificate program? 

When it comes to social work, something I want you to deeply keep in mind is burnout. Burnout in our field is already incredibly prevalent; do not let it overcome you. I also recommend careful consideration of your limits. I am an overachiever, but we are not robots. There is support in every corner. If you find yourself extremely overwhelmed, communicate. Your professors want you to succeed and often will work with you and your limitations. 

Tri-C will celebrate the academic achievements of its newest graduates during Commencement on May 17 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. Check our News and Events page leading up to the event for more highlights from the Class of 2024. 

May 13, 2024

Dylanne Weese, 216-987-4281 or dylanne.weese@tri-c.edu