Saving endangered animal habitats is a passion for Jillian, a senior at Southwest Miami Senior High School, who wants to specialize in biology at her dream school, University of Florida. Here’s what else this Girl on the Rise had to say.

What is something you are most proud of?

I am most proud of my badminton team working so hard and winning the Greater Miami Athletic Conference.

Have you gone through any tough or challenging times? If yes, how did you deal with those challenges?

When I go through tough challenging times, I like to depend on my friends for advice and encouragement.

What does it mean to you to be selected as a Girl on the Rise?

It means so much to me because it gives me the ability to visit anywhere regardless of my financial situation.

What inspired you to want to be involved with Girls on the Rise?

I wanted to be involved because, in such a male-dominated world, girls should have tools to accomplish everything they want. I believe that going to the right school is the most important part of the college journey.

How will funding from the 1,000 Dreams Fund help you reach your goals? In other words: Why is the opportunity to visit your prospective colleges important to your journey?

I want to feel happy in a place that I know will get me closer to my dreams and help me reach my goals efficiently.

What schools will you use the funding to visit, and why?

I will use the funding for the University of Florida because I have always seen myself there and I know I can accomplish my dreams there.