'Little Darwin' Sets the Bar High for Herself Including Studying for the Bar
Like the man whose name is on the scholarship that she earned, Jessica Tucker is driven: driven by a desire to achieve great things and to set an example for others to follow. (She is also following another example her father graduated from high school early, graduating from Aiken at the age of 17.)
Jessica will be walking in the All-University Autumn Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 13, as one of the youngest baccalaureate graduates from the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. This isnt the first time shes graduated young. Jessica had just turned 16 when she graduated from Cincinnatis School for the Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA).
Initially I specialized in visual arts, creative writing and vocal music, she explains, but she decided to graduate with a focus in vocal music alone.
Jessica says that she was so caught up in what she had to do to graduate from SCPA that she only applied to three colleges. Her counselor told her about the Darwin T. Turner Scholars program at UC and suggested that she apply for it.
I didnt fully understand what I was given at first, she admits, then smiles: Now they call me Little Darwin.
Tall and striking and looking way too dignified to be only 18 Jessica doesnt seem like a Little anything. She graduates from the UC this December with a bachelors degree in psychology and criminal justice. But that doesnt mean shes leaving music behind.
Im trying to get into law schools now and Im working on a demo, she says. I wont be happy if I dont have my music. It just doesnt have to be now.
Jessica plans to get a law degree, preferably a JD/PhD or JD/MBA combination, then to really go after the music, she says, because thats what I really need.
There was only one time in my life where I was too sick to sing, she adds. It was so depressing.
So exactly how does one graduate in just two years with a full bachelors degree? Its not recommended. Jessica says that she studied straight through summers, taking 21 to 27 credit hours every quarter.
I had to call the dean every quarter to take the maximum-hours cap off, she says.
So why the hurry?
Ive been in a position where Ive been one of the few minority students where people have said we werent good enough, she says fiercely. I want to show that Im better than good enough. I want to help other minority students know that they can do better. If I can inspire them, then I should.
Jessica mentors young students in her spare time. They inspire me to be better than mediocre, she says.
Whether its on a recording label or on court TV someday, its clear that we have not heard the last of Jessica Tucker. And there is no risk that she will ever be mediocre.
Want to learn more about the Darwin T. Turner Scholars Program?
Darwin T. Turner Scholars Program
Want to read about other Turner Scholars?
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