Jacqueline Borges’ journey to Iowa Western Community College is one defined by courage, partnership, and purpose. An international student from Brazil, Jacqueline made the move to the United States alongside her boyfriend, Lucas Silva, after both earned scholarships to join the college’s cheerleading program. Together, they embraced the challenge of building a new life far from home — balancing the demands of collegiate athletics, full-time academics, and campus employment. Their shared determination and support for one another helped turn an ambitious dream into a life-changing opportunity. Now, as a member of the Community Colleges for Iowa PTK All-Academic Team, Jacqueline represents Iowa Western with a story that reflects resilience, compassion, and a commitment to excellence. A psychology major completing her Associate of Arts in Psychology with a 3.5 GPA, she is also a proud member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Jacqueline’s passion for psychology began in Brazil, where she studied at the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais. There, she completed coursework and internships in clinical, educational, and organizational psychology. She worked with families in vulnerable situations, children in early development programs, and students in public schools — providing psychosocial support, conducting assessments, and helping individuals strengthen emotional, cognitive, and social skills. These formative experiences shaped her commitment to mental health and community-based care, and ultimately inspired her to continue her education in the United States.
After moving to the U.S., Jacqueline embraced the challenge of balancing full-time academics with collegiate athletics as a member of the Reiver Cheerleading Team. Her discipline and consistency paid off both in the classroom and in competition. As a Reiver, she earned first place at the University World Championship in 2024 and second place at the UCA Nationals in 2025, broadcast on ESPN. Her academic success qualified her for PTK membership, reinforcing her belief that excellence requires dedication in every area of life.
Beyond academics and athletics, Jacqueline served others through volunteer work in homeless outreach, therapeutic recreation programs, and campus initiatives. Once in the U.S., as part of Reiver Cheer, she participated in volunteer work, including serving meals at New Visions Homeless Services and working as a therapeutic recreation volunteer at a group home. Looking ahead, she plans to complete her associate degree at Iowa Western and continue her studies in psychology, with the goal of becoming a licensed psychologist. Through scholarship, leadership, and service — and with the support of those who took the journey alongside her — Jacqueline embodies the spirit of Iowa Western and the values celebrated by the All-Academic Team recognition.
This week, Jacqueline represented Iowa Western in Des Moines, IA alongside fellow Reiver leaders, including Iowa Western President Dan Kinney, at Community College Day on the Hill. “
