Big ambition, bigger opportunity

“Here, I have a strong network that will vouch for me, and this opportunity wouldn’t be possible without faculty like Nicholas Shunda and Nicholas Reksten."

Being offered a research position with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors felt unreal for first-generation student Jesus Plascencia ’26. Coming from a small university, competing against the Federal Reserve’s Ivy League pipeline, and without family members who had navigated college themselves, Plascencia’s opportunity seemed unlikely. Yet he leaned into one distinct advantage: the close mentorship and advocacy of University of Redlands faculty, championing his success and flooding him with attainable opportunities. 

“Here, I have a strong network that will vouch for me, and this opportunity wouldn’t be possible without faculty like Nicholas Shunda and Nicholas Reksten,” he said.

Poised to work in financial stability (bank, market, and infrastructure analysis) while in Washington, D.C., the double major in financial economics and business administration actively sought out opportunities while at Redlands, including a summer internship at the prestigious American Economic Association (AEA). During Reksten’s Econometrics course (applying statistical methods, math, and economic theory to quantify economic phenomena, analyze data, and test hypotheses), Plascencia found his calling in financial economics.

“I took the course my junior year, which gave me insight into what I wanted to do in my career and taught me the skills needed to get there,” he said. “After the course, I wanted to learn more about econometrics, and Professor Reksten, along with encouragement from the Economics department, provided a way for me to do that with the AEA opportunity.”

Reksten knew there was something different about Plascencia, who often sat at the front of the class. 

“He was one of those students hanging on every word, which is impressive in an econometrics course because it can be a bit dry at times,” he said. “I would explain a concept, and he would immediately have his hand up to make sure he understood it. He was able to articulate his inquiry in a productive way and scored the highest on assignments. It’s been a joy seeing him go through the AEA summer program and get exposed to students and ideas outside of Redlands.”

Grateful to work in his area of study and expand his knowledge of econometrics and financial stability while at the Federal Reserve, Plascencia attributes his success to his U of R experience.

“Redlands is able to tailor so much to you and really exceeds expectations in trying to guide people towards their purpose,” he said. “Getting personalized counseling in choosing a degree program is unique here.”

Cementing the personalized education he received at Redlands, Plascencia is encouraging prospective students to become Bulldogs for life and pursue their education with an open mind.

“It’s okay to not know everything — that’s the point of going to college, to explore what you want to learn and do in the future,” he said. "Don’t be afraid to ask questions because the biggest questions are the ones that feel unnecessary.”

Learn more about the Economics program.