Jazlyn Romero
OSU Student-Athlete
Track and Field
For me, it started with a javelin. Track and field opened the door for me to attend Oregon State University and to compete at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics.
My name is Jazlyn Romero, and I am a first-generation student in my fourth year at Oregon State University, as well as a track and field student-athlete. I grew up in the small town of Irrigon, Oregon, where my parents, Jose and Maria, raised me and my two big brothers.
Both my parents immigrated to the United States from El Salvador and Mexico at young ages. They arrived in the U.S. for a chance at a better life for themselves and their future families. They risked everything for me and my brothers, so everything that I have ever pursued or accomplished stems from the strength and courage of my parents.
Growing up, I was heavily involved in sports. As I grew older, I began to take sports more seriously. I realized the kind of opportunity that could come from them. Once I was in high school, I decided I only wanted to play basketball, so I could focus on training as much as I could. However, I met Emilee Strot-Smith, the head coach for the track and field team at Hermiston High School. She put a javelin in my hand for the first time and mentored me throughout my high school career. Now, I have the privilege to throw the javelin for Oregon State University, and I have been able to train and compete with the best in the country.
Neither of my parents had the opportunity to pursue higher education, so I am extremely grateful to be able to attend a university and experience all it has to offer. I am currently in the OSU Dean’s Academy, which offers high-achieving students the opportunity to maximize the educational and experiential aspects of their college experience. I am majoring in marketing with a focus on management. I have been fortunate to hold two jobs through the Oregon State Athletic Department in facilities and operations as well as marketing. I also am a member of the OSU Marketing Club where I have helped create and develop an Instagram page for Downtown Corvallis to spread awareness of local businesses in the community. These experiences have heavily influenced my time at Oregon State and have helped shape my future career aspirations.
It is important for me to share the knowledge and wealth that I have had the privilege to acquire in my short life. During the summer, I help my brother, Adrian, run Bilingual Básquetbol, a free bilingual basketball camp. Bilingual Básquetbol was founded to serve rural migrant communities by creating an environment of inclusion, learning and fun for all while instructing in Spanish and English. Through Bilingual Básquetbol, we strive to bridge cultural gaps and cross language barriers to ultimately create spaces that bring people together. I am filled with gratitude to be a part of Bilingual Básquetbol as it allows me to create an impact on the types of communities that shaped me.
My experience as a student-athlete at Oregon State has enabled me to meet some amazing people, uncover some of my greatest passions and plan for my future.