Meet our International Intern: Jessica Mejia
This year, we have welcomed Jessica (Jes) Mejia, as our 2024 intern from the University of Pennsylvania. Jessica brings a wealth of cultural diversity, passion, and expertise to our team. Her journey to JET Education Services highlights her commitment to educational development and her enthusiasm for making a difference.
Jessica describes herself as a proud New Yorker, deeply connected to her roots. She’s the daughter of Colombian and Dominican immigrants and grew up in Manhattan’s northernmost neighbourhood, a vibrant hub of Dominican culture. This multicultural background has given her a unique perspective on the importance of inclusivity and cultural representation.
Jessica’s academic journey began at the University of Chicago, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Romance Languages and Literature with a focus on Italian. Her love for languages and understanding of their structures fueled her interest in the distinct perspectives that different languages hold. Currently, she’s pursuing a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed) in International Educational Development at the University of Pennsylvania, honing her expertise in designing and implementing inclusive educational models on a global scale.
Jessica’s decision to join JET was sparked by recommendations from her professors and peers in her master’s program. Intrigued by JET’s mission and methodology, she found an alignment with her own professional and research interests. Jessica is particularly drawn to JET’s approach to leveraging data analytics and technology to inform educational strategies. After working with the JET team for the past few months, she has had a great connection to the organisation’s work in enhancing teaching and learning methods to benefit communities. Her experience has been both enriching and educational, and she’s eager to contribute meaningfully to the projects she’s involved in.
Jessica is driven by a passion for education as a powerful tool for empowerment and self-actualisation. “Education has been key to unlocking paths that would have otherwise been inaccessible to me; it has empowered me to imagine a life of my own and pursue it. And while this has been true to me, I recognise that this experience is not universal. I’m passionate about working towards true inclusive education that works to empower learners on their journey of self-actualisation,” adds Jessica. This personal journey motivates Jessica’s commitment to fostering equitable educational opportunities for others.
She is also deeply interested in language learning and the unique cultural insights it offers, alongside a love for dance especially cultural dances like Merengue, Cumbia, Salsa, and Bachata as well as cycling and cooking.
During her time with us, Jessica has been focusing on the Mr Price Foundation Programme (MRPF), where she was evaluating the Eduten pilot program. Since the start of term two, this initiative has been running in select schools, and Jessica’s role is to conduct an impact study examining how EdTech and AI-based math programs can enhance learning outcomes and support learner development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like South Africa.
We’re excited to have Jessica contribute her skills and passion to JET. With her commitment to inclusive education and her unique global perspective, we’re confident she will leave a lasting impact as a JETsetter. Welcome, Jessica!