Faith, Family, and a Future: Jasmine O'Quinn

On a frigid January night, Jasmine O’Quinn sits at her desk by the main entrance of the Scott Community College (SCC) Urban Campus, her grey beanie pulled snugly over her ears and her Per Mar Security jacket zipped up tight. Students and staff pass by, some pausing to chat, others offering a quick wave. She knows most of them by name, and for the ones she doesn’t, O’Quinn always offers a warm “hello” and a smile. 

It’s a role she cherishes. As the first face people see when they enter the building, O’Quinn takes pride in creating a welcoming space. But behind her kind demeanor and professional poise lies a remarkable story of resilience, determination, and faith. 

Breaking the Cycle 

Born in Peoria, Illinois, O’Quinn grew up with big dreams for her future, but her life took an unexpected turn when she became pregnant as a sophomore in high school. At just 16 years old, she made the difficult decision to leave school and focus on providing stability for her daughter. 

“I wanted to make sure my baby had a roof over her head,” O’Quinn recalls. “From that point on, everything I did was for her.” 

Over the years, O’Quinn worked tirelessly to support her growing family, holding down multiple jobs in low-paying industries. Cleaning hotel rooms by day and waitressing by night, she often worked two or three jobs at a time, all while raising six children as a single mother. 

“It was exhausting,” she admits. “I was living on government assistance and working nonstop just to get by. It felt like I wasn’t getting anywhere. I knew something had to change.” 

That change came when O’Quinn discovered Eastern Iowa Community Colleges’ (EICC) High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma program.  

“I realized that if I wanted a better life for myself and my kids, I needed to further my education,” she says. “It wasn’t just about me—it was about setting an example for them.” 

Finding Strength in Faith 

Amid the late nights, long workdays, and constant demands of being a mother, O’Quinn found her greatest source of strength in her faith. 

“In 2022, I felt like I had hit rock bottom,” she recalls with tears in her eyes. “I was stuck and didn’t know how to move forward. That’s when I turned to God.” 

She began reading the Bible daily, praying, and relying on her faith to guide her through the challenges she faced. “Faith became the foundation of everything I did,” she says. “Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I’d remind myself that God didn’t bring me this far to let me fail.” 

Her faith not only sustained her but also transformed her family life. O’Quinn started attending church regularly, and her children soon joined her. 

“Seeing my older kids choose to get baptized was one of the best moments of my life,” she says. “Our faith brought us closer together and gave us strength as a family.” 

With faith guiding her and the support of SCC’s West Davenport Center staff, O’Quinn steadily worked her way toward graduation. They provided encouragement and resources, including tutoring. “Math was a real struggle for me,” she admits. “But I think they saw that I was putting in the work, going the extra mile to finish my coursework. The staff never gave up on me. That made all the difference.” 

A Graduation Worth Celebrating 

In June 2024, after years of hard work and sacrifice, O’Quinn walked across the stage to receive her HSE diploma. Her children were in the audience, cheering her on. 

“Seeing their faces smiling back at me—it was indescribable,” she says. “As their mom, I wanted to make them proud and show them that anything is possible with hard work.” 

O’Quinn was also chosen as the student speaker for the ceremony. Standing at the podium in her red cap and gown, she shared her story with practiced ease, her voice steady as she recounted the struggles and triumphs that led her to this moment. 

“Although a bit scary, it was such an incredible experience,” she says. “After the ceremony, people came up to me, some in tears, saying I had inspired them. They told me they saw themselves in my story. That was the most rewarding part of it all.” 

Graduation day was a triple celebration for the O’Quinn family. Not only did Jasmine receive her diploma, but her oldest daughter graduated from high school, and her youngest celebrated her kindergarten graduation. 

“It was a proud mom moment for me,” she says. “We all celebrated our graduations together. It felt even better to push my oldest daughter to graduate, as she almost didn’t. I didn’t want her to follow in my footsteps.” 

A New Chapter 

With her diploma in hand, O’Quinn set her sights on a new goal: entering the healthcare field. She used the free course voucher offered to HSE graduates to enroll in EICC’s 9-week Phlebotomy Technician program.  

“I’ve always been interested in healthcare,” she says. “It’s a field where I can help people and make a difference.”  

However, just four weeks into the program, O’Quinn had to withdraw to care for her mother, who had been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. “She needed me,” O’Quinn says. “I’m the only one here to help her. It’s been challenging to watch her go through this. My family comes first.” 

Despite stepping away, the experience solidified her interest in healthcare. “I learned so much in just four weeks—blood draws, anatomy, medical terminology,” she says. “It showed me that this is the path I want to pursue. I know I’ll get back to it someday.” 

O’Quinn dreams of becoming a traveling phlebotomist, a career with strong job prospects. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow eight percent by 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. “It’s a field with so much potential,” she says. “Hospitals and clinics need people in these roles.” 

Brighter Days Ahead 

For O’Quinn, earning her diploma was about more than personal achievement— it was about setting an example for her children and proving to herself that she could overcome any obstacle. 

“It’s never too late to change your life,” she says. “Take that first step, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. EICC has so many resources and people who want to see you succeed. Lean into that support.” 

As the evening quiets at the SCC Urban Campus, O’Quinn remains at her desk, waving to the last passersby. Her story is far from over, but one thing is certain: she’s moving forward with faith, determination, and the belief that brighter days are ahead.