Lori E. Varlotta, PhD. President | California Lutheran University
Lori E. Varlotta, PhD. President | California Lutheran University
Jazzy Colbert is a force of nature with a lot of options. So as the California Lutheran University senior prepares to receive her customized degree in interdisciplinary studies and launch into her post-graduate life, her biggest challenge may be deciding which of her many talents will ultimately define her career.
"Whatever I end up in for my career, at its heart will be the power of bravery (connected to) my OCD journey and what I’ve learned," Colbert said. "I hope to provide an outlet for people to connect with others who have similar experiences with OCD so we can cope with our struggles, work on dispelling some of the popular myths and fight for better lives."
Born in West Hills and raised in Camarillo and Newbury Park, Jessica “Jazzy” Colbert (pronounced coal-BEAR) has always had a productive streak.
"It was a great outlet for me," she said. "It helped calm me down."
Colbert has had symptoms of OCD since age 4, she said, but in her early childhood, she had no label for it. "At age 11, I wasn’t fully aware of what it was about me" that was different, she said, but learning a craft set her on her path to self-discovery. Her real journey didn’t begin for another six years, with her OCD diagnosis on the threshold of adulthood. It led to some difficult years, including a false start at college.
"I’m really glad I made that decision," she said. "Not that there was anything wrong with UCSB. I had great advisers there, but I just got lost in the larger campus, especially going through mental health challenges. Cal Lutheran was able to give me more of a hands-on experience."
"My experience at Cal Lutheran has meant everything," Colbert said.
"With her education thriving and the help of continuing therapy, Colbert has kept on a busy, productive and positive trajectory."
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