Steven Jacobo, who overcame a turbulent upbringing in Los Angeles and a life-altering spinal cord injury while snowboarding, will share his story at the Western Nevada College (WNC) Foundation’s Reach for the Stars Gala. Despite significant challenges, Jacobo found new purpose and direction, driven by his desire to provide a better future for his sons. He discovered that higher education could transform his mechanical skills into a fulfilling career.
With support from the WNC Foundation, Jacobo is currently pursuing an associate degree at WNC and plans to obtain a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. His journey exemplifies resilience and the transformative power of education.
“I always knew about WNC being an option since living in Northern Nevada, but I had no idea how instrumental they would be in making my dreams reality,” Jacobo said. “The support I've received has been invaluable! I anticipated I could probably get some financial assistance for classes and guidance toward my Associate of Science degree, but what I have found is a robust and knowledgeable support system.”
Jacobo will be the student speaker at WNC Foundation’s seventh annual Reach for the Stars Gala on Saturday, Aug. 10, in Joe Dini Library on the Carson City campus. A limited number of tickets are available to the Giving Back to the Future-themed gala, which also features appetizers, cocktails, a full dinner, live and silent auctions, entertainment, and dancing.
“Losing my ability to walk changed my perspective on life in ways that I didn’t know were possible,” Jacobo said. “I was so unmotivated; I didn’t even want to eat. I was deeply depressed. I went through the motions of physical therapy and rehabilitation.”
His motivation returned when he watched YouTube videos of paraplegic athletes and began creating his own videos to help the disabled. Eventually, he became involved in adaptive sports, including bobsledding. This interest has taken him around the world for competition and allowed him to represent his country in world championships. These experiences instilled confidence and made him realize that anything is possible.
“My story is one of overcoming adversity and striving for a better future, no matter the obstacles along the way,” Jacobo said.
Reach for the Stars Gala tickets cost $200 per person, $380 per couple or $1,500 per table of eight; every contribution serves the workforce of the future. Tickets can be purchased at wnc.edu/reach.
For more information about the event, contact WNC Foundation at 775-445-3240 or foundation@wnc.edu.