STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Virginia Simpkins Finds Support to Thrive

Finding your first job as a recent graduate can be challenging, and opportunities are not the same for everyone. There is a disparity that goes hand in hand with the lack of opportunities and resources, both economic and social. 

The Ivory Bridges Foundation works alongside first-generation college students providing scholarships, guidance and resources to ensure the success for the recent graduates in the workforce. 

Virginia Simpkins, a Leadership minor student pursuing her bachelor’s degree at San Diego State University, was one of the few recipients of this year’s Ivory Bridges Foundation scholarship. The scholarship provided students with a $10,000 grant, alongside an all-inclusive 4-day retreat in August at Big Bear Lake, in which they had the opportunity to meet with a career, financial and wellness counseling team.

“It was four full days of learning what vision, strengths, and effective networking can do for us as aspiring and ambitious students,” Simpkins said. 

Simpkins will now meet with her wellness, financial and career coaches four more times during the school year in order to receive the full grant amount.

One of her favorite parts about the retreat was the people that she got to meet.

“It was one of the most amazing times I had with fellow students,” she said, “just the support and love I received and was able to give to them.”

Simpkins is a first-generation college student. She grew up in Mira Mesa, spending ages 12-19 in the foster care system in San Diego. She is a California registered behavior technician and has worked in the mental health field for 23 years.

At the age of 50, while at an employee orientation, Simpkins had what she described as an "epiphany" that made her realize she wanted to go back to school. She ended up enrolling at Grossmont College and over the course of the next four years she earned her associate degree in psychology and communication, and a university studies degree in behavioral science. 

She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She is also the president of The Leadership Club at San Diego State University. With the assistance of Lisa Gates, the director and advisor for the SDSU leadership minor, they were able to establish the club as a recognized organization at SDSU. 

“I am still so proud to have been chosen by State,” she said. “My heart wells up, I love it!” 

At the moment, Simpkins works as a behavior technician helping children with autism. After graduation, she is looking at the possibility of getting a master’s degree in communication or education.