A Fairytale Story
A student, a teacher, a princess – Jessica Palmquist wears many different hats, or should we say crowns.
The senior secondary education major from Yutan, Nebraska, has embraced all the opportunities afforded to a college student, and were it not for some much-needed scholarships, it might never have turned out this way.
“Halfway through my senior year, I was fairly certain I wasn’t going to college simply because I didn’t think I could afford it. Then Midland offered me a scholarship, and I received a Horatio Alger scholarship, and that’s when college started to become a reality for me financially.
“I made a visit to Midland and got to meet with (English professors) Susan Wood and Henry Krusiewicz. I really enjoyed those visits and liked the English department.”
English is one of Jessica’s true passions and while she contemplated a career as an author or editor, she pivoted to teaching, knowing there would be more opportunities available in the professional world. “I wanted to do something in the English field, but the success rate for authors and editors is lower than teaching. Teaching gives me the opportunity to share my excitement for English with others. I have endorsements in ESL and HAL, so I’m hoping to expand my teaching in those areas.”
Jessica is currently completing her student teaching at Fremont High School, teaching English to 10th-grade students. She wants to convey her love for the spoken word to her classroom and have them share the same passion she has for writing. “I enjoy everything about English. I have had two poems published in Bits of Flint (Midland student publication), and I think writing is a great way to express emotions. I think schools sometimes only focus on writing that is research-based, when you can give students the opportunity to channel their emotions and write about something that can help them process grief, trauma, or anything.”
She got a glimpse into the teaching world as a 16-year-old when she traveled to Uganda in East Africa. On a trip with her father, who was doing mission work, she had the opportunity to work with local citizens and teach them English. The experience has inspired her to help others who aren’t afforded the same education opportunities as some people. “My plan after graduation is to apply at different youth correctional facilities and help students who might not otherwise receive a quality education. I’m willing to go to poverty areas or prisons, places that other teachers may not want to go.”
She isn’t shy about wanting to help others and isn’t shy when it comes to being the star of the show. She has performed in both band and theater at Midland and has taken part in performances at the Fremont Opera House, most recently in Elf the Musical.
“I’ve always loved acting, and even in my day-to-day life, I have a big personality. I think more people could be actors, but you have to be willing to take that big leap first.”
Acting comes naturally to Jessica, which explains why she loves her weekend job so much. Through Fairytale Omaha, Jessica gets to portray different princesses, superheroes, or a variety of other characters to children at parties.
“I’ve been there a little over a year, and I have a party just about every weekend. I really love playing Rapunzel and Ariel (Little Mermaid). My mermaid persona (Kiki) is really fun because I get to wear a tail. Even after I get a fulltime job, I will keep doing this because I really enjoy it. I’m in training to be a fairy godmother, which is more on the administrative side.”
She has made the most of her college experience, both on and off campus. Along with her theatrical work and weekend princess performances, Jessica has been a part of Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, Cru, and campus ministries. It’s been quite a ride for someone who wasn’t even sure college could become a reality four years ago.
“I wouldn’t change this experience for anything.”
Jessica Palmquist is a senior Secondary Education major from Yutan, Nebraska.
