Jacqueline Guajardo

Hello! My name is Jacqueline Guajardo, and I am a Public Health major in the accelerated Public Health Scholars Program at American University graduating in 2027 on the pre-med track. I currently serve as a Senior Program Leader for Complex Problems. Outside of academics, I am also a Division I cheerleader, research assistant, and a medical assistant. 

I decided to become a Program Leader because I remember how overwhelming the transition into college felt at times. Having someone who genuinely cared about my success made a huge difference for me, and I wanted to be that person for incoming students. I enjoy helping students build confidence, connect with others, and find their place at AU. 

My favorite part of being a Program Leader has been building relationships with students and watching them grow throughout the semester. I enjoy seeing students become more comfortable participating in discussions, forming friendships, and gaining confidence in themselves. It is rewarding to know that I helped create an environment where students felt supported and 
encouraged. I also enjoy creating a classroom atmosphere where students feel comfortable sharing ideas and being themselves.

As a Program Leader, I have developed strong communication, leadership, and mentoring skills. I have learned how to facilitate discussions, support students with different learning styles, and adapt quickly in group settings. This role has also strengthened my teamwork, organization, and problem-solving skills through planning co-curricular activities and balancing multiple 
responsibilities at once. Being a PL has helped me become more confident in leading others while also teaching me the importance of patience, empathy, and active listening.

My advice to future Program Leaders would be to focus on building connections with students. As well as your faculty member. Be approachable, patient, and flexible because every cohort is different. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask for support, and try new ideas in the classroom. Some of the best moments come from small conversations and the environment you create for your students each week.