Jessica Stockdale

My name is Jessica Stockdale. I was in TYP 2018–2019 and recently graduated from the University of Toronto with a double major in Cell & Molecular Biology and Bioethics. I was homeschooled by my mom until she passed away when I was 15. After moving to Toronto, I worked full time while taking online courses, but by 19, I knew I couldn’t catch up on my own. Finding TYP changed everything — it gave me the chance to reach university and the support I needed to thrive. Having not been in a classroom since kindergarten, I was nervous, but TYP’s encouragement and mentorship gave me confidence.

After graduating, I faced challenges entering STEM due to missing high school prerequisites, but with exceptions I got into my major and later returned to TYP as a TA to help improve its science program. Students can now take first-year biology during TYP, something we helped make possible. TYP inspired my future master’s in adult education in STEM. They supported me through my studies and even during my research. Watching new TYP students graduate each year reminds me how special this community is. TYP shaped me into who I am today—it’s far more than a one-year program; it’s been a life-changing part of my journey.