Kirkwood sophomore is going toward the business of success
—Ben Baldwin, Communique’
Although Jessica Hesseltine’s scholastic journey from Iowa City High to Kirkwood Community College’s Iowa City campus didn’t require much travel, she said she’s come a long way.
Hesseltine, a sophomore in the business administration assistant program at Kirkwood, was born and raised in Iowa City and hopes to stay close in the future. “The plan right now is to stay in Iowa, because it’s a great place to raise a family,” she said.
Drawn to the pressure and intensity of the business world, Hesseltine said her dream is to head her own company one day. “I know it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. More times than not new businesses fail but I am still hoping to someday take that risk and see where it takes me,” she said.
Hesseltine said she decided to go into business because she feels that she is a strong leader and a good motivator.
She added that she’s very happy with her decision to attend Kirkwood. “It has been an amazing experience. The teachers are all very understanding and more than willing to help you with anything that you need,” she said.
Hesseltine has also taken advantage of some of Kirkwood’s clubs and organizations. She recently won a Business Professionals of America sponsored word processing competition in Cedar Rapids and will compete at the national competition in Dallas, Texas, in May.
She isn’t exactly sure what her next step will be after her graduation from Kirkwood in the fall but one way or another, she plans on earning a bachelor’s degree. Hesseltine said she will likely attempt to find a full-time position somewhere in Iowa and continue her studies on a part-time basis. She is also considering a career in the Air Force.
Beyond her work-related aspirations, Hesseltine said she has sights set on the “American Dream.” “I want to be successful with a large family, not to mention the nice car and big house,” she said with a smile.
She also said she hopes to spend some quality time traveling. “I want to be very cultured and be able to experience all the amazing things this world has to offer and traveling is one of the best ways to do that,” said Hesseltine.
[Story courtesy Kirkwood Communique’. Copyright 2009. Used by permission.]