Jazlyn Surell

Walking into Jacquelyn Smith-Edwards’ Sister Circle felt less like attending an event and more like being welcomed into a space that you already knew. Jacquelyn, a board member of One Circle Foundation, is someone who truly lives the work. She is deeply involved in her community and has been a trained facilitator of our Girls Circle model since 2019. She has been using our models and curricula for years, creating safe Circle spaces. This Women’s Circle was no exception. It was thoughtful, intentional, and full of care. 

In the hustle of our modern lives, where the digital world often overshadows the real one, it's easy to overlook the fundamental elements that truly enrich our existence: connection and gratitude. These pillars form the foundation of a fulfilling life, offering us profound lessons and unparalleled joy.

I always knew that I had the heart to help people, but I was not clear on the path to go about it. When I think back to how I got where I am, I am often taken back to this specific time. I was a first-year at Arcadia University and I was opening a bank account for the first time all by myself. I do not remember a lot of it. It was such a mundane errand to run, but what I do remember is a conversation that I had with the bank teller. She was asking me what my major was and I told her that I wanted to go into a trauma counseling field. Then, she asked me if I experienced anything similar to what they have. I told her no. She shifted into a more serious tone and asked me how I was going to relate to anything that they tell me if I have not gone through it. That one conversation made me question my decisions. How was I going to counsel if I could never relate? Now, I am a mental health counselor intern at a high school in Philadelphia. After spending some time learning my way around and getting to know some of the youth, they have started to open up to me