RSCCD designer Maddie Jahshan Qualifies for the 2026 Boston Marathon
The steady rhythm of her footsteps fills the quiet morning air as Madeline “Maddie" Jahshan begins another training run. Each stride moves her closer to a goal she has worked toward for years, competing in the 2026 Boston Marathon. The race represents years of hard work and determination, qualities that define her both as an athlete and as a classified professional at Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD).
As a Desktop Publishing Technician for the District, Jahshan applies that same focus on her creative work. She designs flyers, catalogs, banners, and digital materials that connect students, faculty, and the community with Santa Ana College, Santiago Canyon College, Continuing Education, and the District. Her role allows her to combine creativity with purpose, helping the communications team produce materials that promote student success and strengthen community engagement.
“I enjoy using my skills and creativity to make a difference," she said. “It feels rewarding to know that what I design helps students and supports the District."
Jahshan joined the District as a classified professional in February 2024 while finishing her undergraduate degree at Concordia University Irvine. What began as a temporary role soon turned into a full-time opportunity, where she discovered the joy of using design to support students, faculty, and the community. Inspired to keep growing, Jahshan began an online Master of Fine Arts in 3D Animation and Visual Effects at Academy of Art University earlier this year to expand her creative range and explore motion-based storytelling.
Balancing full-time work, family, graduate studies, and marathon training requires structure and discipline, but Jahshan finds motivation in the progress that comes from consistency.
“I work, do homework, and run. That is my routine," she said. “It takes discipline, but it is worth it."
Jahshan's connection to running began in middle school, when she joined a local running club and quickly discovered that the sport was as much about community as it was about competition. The passion continued to grow through high school and into college, where her dedication and performance placed her among Concordia's top distance runners. During her time there, Jahshan broke school records in the 10K, 5K indoor, and 6K cross-country events while earning a place among national competitors.
After graduation, Jahshan shifted her focus to marathon training and set her sights on one of the sport's most prestigious races, the Boston Marathon. With the qualifying deadline quickly approaching, she entered a race in Washington and achieved the time needed to secure her place. To qualify for the 2026 Boston Marathon, women ages 18 to 25 needed a time of 3 hours, 25 minutes. Maddie qualified easily with a time of 2 hours, 52 minutes, 28 seconds.
At RSCCD, colleagues have celebrated her success and continue to support her goals. Jahshan credits Chief Communications Officer, Dr. Chi-Chung Keung for his encouragement.
“Chi-Chung gets so excited about the marathon, sometimes even more than I am," she said. “His enthusiasm reminds me to take pride in what I've accomplished."
As she looks ahead to Boston this spring, Jahshan said her experience reminds her to keep moving forward, no matter the challenge.
“Avoiding the 'what ifs' keeps me going," she said. “If something matters to you, take the chance and commit to it."
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