Jocelin McCoy Grows by Embracing Life’s Uncertainty

As Jocelin McCoy looks forward to graduation with the class of 2026, she reflects on a series of unexpected challenges that have presented her with obstacles — and lessons — along the way. 

While the Berthoud High School senior will be the first to tell you that life has not always been easy for her, she does believe she has made the best of some difficult situations, many of which have made her incredibly grateful to be walking across the stage at graduation with the class of 2026. 

“Graduation scares me a little. Little freshman me never thought I was going to get to this spot,” Jocelin says. “I struggled a lot with mental health, so it’s scary, but it’s really exciting. I got to have this experience of being a senior. I never thought I would know about that.”

Navigating Change and Finding Strength

For much of her life, Jocelin moved from one place to another, living in multiple places in Colorado and Minnesota before settling in Berthoud for high school. Jocelin’s mom has had some significant health issues, but she and Jocelin maintain a close relationship.

“My mom, I love her. She’s the strongest person I know,” Jocelin says.

Jocelin met her dad for the first time when she was 12, the same age she learned she had a sister. Jocelin lived with them in Minnesota for several years before moving back to Colorado to live with her mom, brother, and grandparents. While high school started with some uncertainty, Jocelin discovered some new interests when a teacher introduced her to agriculture and FFA.

“I came in pretty nervous,” Jocelin says of starting school at Berthoud her sophomore year. “Everyone was very normal-looking, and I had very bright red hair. I am a really big city girl, but I have learned to love plants and animals.”

Jocelin McCoy Creates Her Own Path Forward

As Jocelin settled into BHS, she made friends and found people she felt comfortable with, though her family faced some financial difficulties along the way. 

“My family is from a lower economic community, so I’m not really just handed money,” Jocelin explains. “I really have to work for what I want. Growing up not having everything handed to me, it throws a lot of challenges at you, so you know what you can accomplish. I’ve realized I’m capable of things I didn’t know I could do.”

One of those things Jocelin learned she could do was work at the Berthoud Recreation Center while still attending high school. Jocelin works as a sports attendant, helping people of all ages enjoy the local rec center. She also works in the daycare area, caring for young children, but her favorite part is working with students with special needs. 

“My brother has a speech impediment, so he lacks the efficiency to learn the same as other kids,” Jocelin explains. “What I would see growing up, people would think he couldn’t do things. It hurt me because he’s a great person. Then I got the chance to work with kids who are looked down on a lot.” 

Jocelin has really enjoyed her work at the rec center and says she hopes to continue working there after graduation. However, she eventually hopes to attend school to become a teacher or nurse. Regardless of where she ends up, she believes she will find the right path for her — and if not, she will allow it to find her. 

“There’s not always going to be something right there for you,” she says. “Sometimes you’re going to have to create that space. You don’t always have to stick to a plan. You just have to go with the flow, and you will end up where you’re meant to be.”