Jennifer Almodovar Jimenez '18 is on the move

Almodovar Jimenez likes to travel, which has led her to study abroad in London and the Hague. She also loves scouring the Boston area for the best cuisine.

Photo/Mike Lovett

Jennifer Almodovar Jimenez at a Myra Kraft TYP event at Gillette Stadium.

Throughout her childhood, Jennifer Almodovar Jimenez ’18 moved around a lot. New York City. Vermont. The Dominican Republic. Finally, Massachusetts. She attended nine different schools during her primary and secondary education.

She found a lasting home at Brandeis after applying through the Myra Kraft Transitional Year Program, which provides small classes and strong support systems for high school graduates who have developed skills for college success through life experiences, but have had limited precollege academic opportunities.

Even though Jimenez never put roots down growing up, that hasn’t stopped her from developing a desire to travel. Jimenez has studied abroad twice through Brandeis programs, going to London and the Hague. On campus, she’s a double major in politics and international and global studies, with minors in philosophy and legal studies. She’s served as a senator in the Student Union, was president of the Caribbean Culture Club, and has worked closely with the International Center for Ethics, Justice and Public Life as a Sorensen Fellow and with 'DEIS Impact, the annual festival of social justice.

Jimenez took some time to describe her Brandeis experience with BrandeisNow:

Why does Brandeis fit you?

I have always been passionate about human rights, equality, and ending injustice. Brandeis’ laser focus on social justice allowed me to pursue my interests through opportunities that I never thought would be available to me prior to attending Brandeis. As a Sorensen Fellow, I was able to intern at the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti. This internship broadened my perspectives on international development, and the role of ethics in international relations and philanthropy.

When did you know you made the right choice? Why?

There was not a specific moment in which I knew I made the right choice; however, the sociopolitical climate in the United States during these past few years has made me feel lucky and thankful to be at Brandeis. It is an incredibly comforting feeling to know that the majority of those around me on this campus support the same causes that I do. Despite all the differences I may share with many students at Brandeis, there have definitely been encouraging “we are in this together” moments. 

What do you nerd out about? Why? 

Is it possible to nerd out about food? I love reading and learning about politics, foreign affairs, and philosophy, but I must say that I am quite proud to consider myself an international food connoisseur. I love to travel, and have spent hours hunting down the best food spots in every single country I visit. I am the go-to girl amongst my friends for food recommendations worldwide! 

How has Brandeis opened your mind?

The experiences that studying at Brandeis has afforded have undoubtedly opened my mind. I have been able to study abroad twice, in London and The Hague, and both experiences were life-changing and affected my thinking in ways that I never expected.

What’s your favorite class? Why?

Social Justice and Philanthropy, taught by Melissa Nemon, has been one of my favorite classes at Brandeis. Part of the course consisted of building a foundation and making a donation to a nonprofit organization that you chose as a group. I loved this class, because it allowed me to put into practice what I learned in the classroom all the while giving back to the community. 

What’s been your most rewarding experience outside the classroom? I feel the most rewarded whenever I give back to the Myra Kraft Transitional Year Program through mentoring the younger students or planning events that foster a sense of community. I love MKTYP, and find that the community within it is amongst its most valuable assets. 

What do you like to do in Waltham/Boston?

I love to embark on gastronomic excursions with my friends! Trying new foods and experiencing new restaurants is one of my hobbies, and Boston/Waltham have some really great places. As I said before, I am a total foodie!

How will Brandeis help you make a difference?

The knowledge and experiences I have gained at Brandeis have undoubtedly shaped who I am, and have allowed me to decide what kind of leader I want to be in this world. I don’t think I can find the words to depict how much Brandeis has impacted my life, but I can say that Brandeis is a part of me, and the lessons I have learned here will be with me everywhere I go.