Name: David Jarquin
Age: 18
Major: Management Information Systems
Class Status: Sophomore
Hometown: Leon, Nicaragua
David Jarquin has been a rising star ever since he was a child, and throughout his high school years he became the best student of Nicaragua! Not only did he accomplish this, but during his freshman year, he also won the position of CAB Chairman in last semester’s election for Student Government Association. David is involved in many activities due to his position in SGA and is responsible for his CAB team. He is also currently an active member of the Household Fellowship where he enjoys being part of a Catholic brotherhood. Read below to learn more about his story!
What can you tell us about your experience as the best student of Nicaragua?
“The competition to become the best student of the country was a very hard task, it was something I never imagined accomplishing. The competition consisted of three stages, the first one being in Leon, my hometown, the next one is the regional stage, and the last one was the national. During this final stage, the best student of every department competed. Every student takes an exam where they test you for mathematics, physics, English, Spanish, biology, chemistry, and other topics. When the results were given, and I heard that my name was called out, I couldn’t believe what was going on. Still today it is very hard for me to describe exactly what I was feeling the day I was named Nicaragua’s best student. During independence week, I was given several recognition awards, including the presidential scholarship in Keiser University. It was a unique experience because it encouraged me to keep going no matter what, and it helped me understand that it is important to be an integral person every day. “
What were some of the things you had to give up in order for you to accomplish this dream?
“I had to give up time with my friends since I spent the whole time studying and preparing myself for the competition. There was not much time to fully socialize, no video games; I only had time to study and play the guitar. The only reason why I played was because it helped me to relax. However, up until this day, I don’t see it as giving up things in order to get others. Instead, I see everything that I learned. I learned to manage my time between regular classes and the preparation time for the competition. If I hadn’t done all of these things, you wouldn’t be interviewing me right now.”
Do you have a favorite teacher? If so, who? And why?
“It is very hard to choose only one favorite teacher here at Keiser since all of them are great, but I have to say that I choose Professor Ignacio Arana. He is the kind of teacher I feel the most identified with. He is demanding, he has an outstanding pedagogy and inspires his students to be better. His vast knowledge makes the class much more dynamic, and he even knows Hebrew! The Keiser family is very lucky to have him form part of our community. “
Do you have a mentor?
“Yes, my parents. They are the ones who have induced me in the path of Knowledge and Moral. Ever since I was a little kid, they told me that I needed to pursue my goals and put effort into achieving them and that intelligence with good and sincere feelings would always be the best combination that would most likely lead me to success. The person that I am now is all thanks to them. They are my guides, my role models, and they have always supported me.”
Photo Credits to Andrea Mendoza