Master of Library and Information Science student Jennifer Sheffield grew up in libraries. Carrying home armfuls of books, she described herself as a “voracious reader.” She loved that libraries provided a community where learning is encouraged and curiosity is promoted. 

Along with easy access to libraries, an accelerated learning program helped Sheffield build a sound literary background, but she recognized that she was getting opportunities that her peers were not.

“I think that was my first subconscious understanding of privilege,” she said. 

As an online MLIS student at the UW Information School, Sheffield hopes to give children the same opportunities that she had growing up. She recently was awarded the Bellevue Friends of the Library Endowed Scholarship in Library and Information Science, given to students who demonstrate growth and dedication to the field. 

After she earned her undergraduate degree at Valdosta State University in Georgia, Sheffield began a career in journalism. She valued the social connection that journalism provided her. However, she left her job and moved to support her husband’s career. After moving, she said found herself at a place of uncertainty. Unexpectedly, Sheffield began a role in technology at Microsoft, then later Xbox. She said she tried to settle, yet she felt unrest.

“I knew that I wanted to make a difference in my community again instead of just being a bystander,” she said. She began to recognize that she was not fit to be on the front lines of the media as a journalist, but wanted to find another way to contribute. 

Sheffield said the move and the gap in her career completely flatlined her momentum, but the thought of returning to a strong literary environment propelled her forward. Eager to continue her trajectory toward librarianship, Sheffield was admitted to the MLIS program in 2024. 

However, her life took a turn in the summer of 2025 when her husband, Tripp, was diagnosed with Stage 2 Lymphoma. His diagnosis was incredibly hard for Sheffield, but she found hope from the community around her and Tripp. As someone who values community very deeply, Sheffield said the support made all the difference. 

When the diagnosis came, she had just completed her first year of the MLIS program. She found herself with two options: She could pause her progress or she could persevere in chasing her dreams. She chose to persist.

“While dealing with my new role as caretaker, I would potentially lose sight of what I am chasing after,” she said. “I didn't want it to stall because I knew that on the other side of everything, there was still hope.”

Now midway through the program, Sheffield said, “I think I have a much deeper understanding of not just how to prepare myself for my future roles as librarian, but also skills that I can apply to my current career.” Tripp is now in remission, and they are both optimistic about their future. 

Despite juggling academics, a full-time job and her husband’s cancer treatment, Sheffield still cannot stay out of libraries. She has been volunteering in the library at Cherry Valley Elementary School in Duvall, Wash., where she lives. Librarian Gretchen Harmon oversees Sheffield’s work, which has consisted of genrefying the fiction sections and adding display elements to the shelving. 

Originally, her volunteer work was for a class assignment. Yet she continues to volunteer there three or four times a week, months after her class ended. 

Harmon spoke of her admiration for Sheffield. 

“I love her perseverance, her engagement in the job, and her desire to see it through,” she said.