Meet Jaquette Easterlin

Whitworth Cadre Four
'10 Graduate (B.A. Sociology)
Wilson High School '06

Big sister diaries

"Being in a family with five children and a single mother is not easy," said Jaquette Easterlin, "especially, when you are the second oldest and a girl." It wasn't easy for Jaquette to accept the extra responsibility given to her as she grew up. Neither did she understand why certain tasks were given to her rather than her older brother. At times, Jaquette would plead with her mother to reduce the load, but the appeals never had much impact on her situation. Eventually though, something did change – Jaquette. "I began to enjoy being the big sister," she said, "The hardship became something positive."

Extending the lesson

The positive impact of Jaquette's family situation extends much farther than the joy of helping her younger siblings with homework or the special growing bond built within her family. This life lesson has been something that Jaquette has been able to carry with her to college as well. "It taught me to prioritize, have compassion, and to multi-task," she said, "These skills will not only benefit me at home, but in school and in my career path."

Away from home

As a student at Whitworth, Jaquette immediately began exploring her new environment and making the Whitworth campus her home. In an effort to feel more comfortable, she began piling on responsibilities and commitments, including, but not limited to, joining the intramural volleyball team and the Black Student Union, for which she was elected the 2007-08 Club Coordinator. She also began working for the Spokane School District as the step team teacher at Gary Middle School. At work, Jaquette found herself reaching out to her students as if they were her own younger siblings. "Besides teaching [just step] I try to teach them values and to respect people," she says.

The social butterfly

For a girl who stays so busy, it would seem impossible to build relationships, but Jaquette's bubbly personality and humble spirit have always kept her surrounded with great conversation. Prior to coming to Whitworth, at Wilson High School, Jaquette was known as a vibrant personality in the classroom and on the court, as a member of the varsity volleyball team. Reflecting on her high school experience she said, "I think I built relationships through socializing and getting people to see beyond color sometimes."

Just the right balance

At Whitworth, Jaquette continues to balance hard work alongside making great connections with people. Whether relating with high school girls, conversing with one of her professors, or talking to a complete stranger, Jaquette finds a way to make other people feel comfortable and to entertain the possibility of seeing things a little differently. In looking to the future, Jaquette sees herself "in a career working with people, involved in church, and also in the community working with kids." Jaquette's vision seems to align well with her past and present endeavors, leaving no room to doubt her potential for true success and happiness. The community she chooses will also benefit greatly from her accomplishments and personality.

Learn More

• Meet More Scholars