By Jessica Peterson

Front Range Community College student Jill Shuss has been awarded the prestigious national New Century Scholarship—one of only two scholars selected from the state of Colorado. She was chosen from a national pool of more than 2,200 applicants from more than 1,200 college campuses across the US.

Shuss is a first-generation adult college student who has two children and is studying business at FRCC. She was the top scoring applicant in the state in the career-technical track, earning her the New Century Workforce Pathway award. Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom.

Jill’s instructors describe her as a natural leader and a committed and dedicated student. “In the classroom, she sets an example of excellence and professionalism, as well as empowering and encouraging others to bring out their own strengths and brilliance,” according to FRCC Business Instructor Colleen Seltz.

Helping Others

Outside of the classroom, Jill has initiated and implemented several community support projects—including a food drive and a campaign to collect and provide clothing to elementary and middle school children in need. She also provides help to members of her community who have medical needs, including personally driving them to doctor’s appointments and shopping for groceries.

Getting to Work

Jill says her only regret in life is not having graduated from college. So she has now begun the journey to obtain a degree. Her immediate career goal is to become a Colorado Certified Residential Appraiser.

Once she earns her associate degree at FRCC, Jill plans to get to work in real estate as quickly as possible. She’ll take the required qualifying education classes and complete the required work experience hours—and then take the state exam to obtain a Colorado Residential Appraiser License.

This career path appeals to Jill because she’ll be able to continue serving her community while taking care of her family. She hopes to eventually complete a bachelor’s degree in business at the University of Colorado-Denver. Someday she would like to start an appraisal business and work for herself.