Passion for the Aggie family fuels Jenny Patino

In 5th grade, Jenny Patino, newly elected USUSA Organizations and Diversity Vice President, was in a very serious car wreck with her family. She was rushed to the hospital and her family was told it would be a “miracle” if she survived. Though she recovered fully, Patino has lived her life to the absolute fullest ever since.

“For me, it was like a second chance. I took that opportunity and saw it as a way for me to become someone,” Patino said. “I wanted to become someone and I want to show my dad that even though something bad happened, something good could come out of it.”

Patino grew up in a very tight-knit family and attributes her values of hard work and determination to her parents, who moved from Mexico to the United States to pursue their own “American Dream.” Patino’s parents owned a store in her hometown, and Patino and her four sisters worked there every day. “I had to juggle work, involvement, and school work, and that has helped me so much,” Patino said.

She specifically credits her dad for inspiring her to work hard.

“This man has been through so much,” Patino said of her father. “He is a successful business owner, and he came from nothing. When he is at work and he is not feeling the best, he never shows it,” Patino said.

When she’s not with her family back home, Patino is passionate about being part of the Aggie family.

Patino saw how much fun her older sister Ana had during her time at Utah State University and liked how involved she was. After a few tours, Patino knew that USU was the right choice for her to further her education.

“Utah State felt like home, and I knew I would find my place here, and I think I have,” Patino said.

Now Patino is one of the busiest women on campus. She’s part of the Kappa Delta sorority, the A-Team and the Series Committee, and was just elected USUSA Organizations and Diversity VP.

Patino’s campaign manager was her friend Nichole Chiaramonte. Chiaramonte helped Patino by passing out flyers on the quad, making posters, and organizing other aspects of the campaign. Chiaramonte explained why Patino was the best person for the position.

“As she started campaigning more and more, I saw her almost become the VP,” Chiaramonte said. “She had a clear idea of what she wanted to change. You could tell her vision and how much she wanted it to be real.”

In her new position, one of Patino’s main goals is to help all clubs and organizations find their voice at USU. She believes that getting to know the diverse organizations and guiding them as a mentor will enable them to emerge as leaders at USU. Patino explained that diverse leaders are not always well known on campus.

“We really have a voice and we are leaders, but we are hidden leaders,” she said. “I want to help those student leaders become well known. I want to help those that feel they have no voice to have a voice and have that courage to be a leader.”

After a busy day on campus, Patino likes to curl up and watch Netflix while enjoying a drink from Chugz or some Cold Stone coffee ice cream. Patino is pursuing a degree in Accounting and working on pre-med requirements. In the future, Patino hopes she will either be a doctor who works with kids or working at an accounting firm.

Those who know Patino can agree that she makes everyone around her feel like a friend. Ana Patino expressed that her sister’s positivity has helped her excel in every aspect of her life.

“I admire that through everything she has been through, she’s always managed to remain optimistic about every situation,” Ana said. “She has always had huge dreams and aspirations in life. She hasn’t ever stepped back and is always trying to reach for the best in life.”

—shelby.black@aggiemail.usu.edu

@shelbsterblack