As a Liberal Arts Social Sciences major at GCC, Jasmyn Atsalis-Gogel has shaped a unique academic path with a focus on psychology and a minor in wildlife biology, blending her interests in human behavior and the natural world.
Her passion for learning led her to the GCC Honors Scholar Program. “I was drawn to apply for the Honors Scholar Program as a way to structure a deeper dive into the work we were doing in my class,” she explains. “It gave me the excuse and motivation to lean into learning about what impacts white-tailed deer antler growth, an aspect of wildlife biology that I find incredibly fascinating.”
With strong support from faculty and staff, she was able to focus on her research and academic goals without getting bogged down in logistics. “The program is an opportunity to deepen your studies and push yourself to produce professional work, as well as show others that you are capable and willing to go above the necessary,” Jasmyn reflects. “It was a valuable experience that I found very rewarding.”
Beyond the Honors Scholar Program, Jasmyn points to GCC’s supportive community as a defining part of her experience. “The staff are invested in the students and community, and they go out of their way to create and share resources,” she says. That sense of encouragement has shaped her academic journey.
Looking ahead, Jasmyn is preparing to transfer to a local four-year college to complete her Bachelor’s degree. Her long-term goal is to earn a Master’s degree and become a licensed clinical therapist. It’s a path that reflects both her academic interests with her desire to make a meaningful impact in others’ lives.
When you give to GCC, you create opportunity, stability and possibility for our students and our community. Where your support makes a difference:
Student Basic Needs & Emergency Support: Helping students cover food and urgent expenses so they can remain in school
The GCC Impact Fund: Providing flexible resources to meet emerging needs and strengthen student success
Scholarship Support: Expanding access to education and opening pathways to opportunity
Endowment Growth: Building lasting support for future generations of GCC students. * Endowment gifts received before 6/30/2026 will be matched by 50% *
