Jun 21, 2010-- Jessica Herrera's parents lost their jobs at the beginning of her senior year in high school. Evicted from the homes they rented, the family split up: her father left town to look for work, her mother and sister moved in with relatives, and Jessica took refuge in a homeless shelter. But that didn't stop the 18-year-old from graduating high school. "There were times I came home and there was no food. I wanted to get a part-time job or something, but my mom told me to focus on school only." Following her parents' advice, Herrera graduated from her high school's International Baccalaureate program with a 5.5 GPA and received a full scholarship to attend Florida International University next fall. Despite all the obstacles, Herrera remains positive: "I don't feel sorry for myself. I do feel it has made me stronger." she reflects. "Anything is possible as long as you work hard enough for it." (4522 reads)