We’re in Chicago: Schafaris Turner
What is your current role? How would you describe the work that you do?
I currently work as a Community Engagement Specialist for Adobe. We have Adobe Student Ambassadors at 80+ campuses across the US and the UK and I help to oversee these students. My focus is on Club Development and Creation so I assist students with creating an Adobe Club/Community on campus and provide resources to help them succeed.
What was your Chicago Scholars experience like?
I had a great experience as a Scholar! I made a lot of friends during my time in the program and I’m still close with some of them even though over 10 years have passed. I was able to be a Class Officer and advocate for my fellow Scholars as well as take part in special opportunities. Additionally, the staff was extremely supportive of me during my college journey and beyond.
How did Chicago Scholars support you to be the person you are today?
Honestly, I made it to college because of Chicago Scholars. I had the talent and determination but as a first generation college student, I didn’t know where to start. I also had a supportive family but they also didn’t know anything about the college search process. Chicago Scholars helped me navigate this new journey so that I could make a sound decision. By being able to go to and graduate from college, I’ve been able to take advantage of various opportunities which have eventually led me to landing my dream job this year.
What advice would you have given yourself just after being accepted into the program? What advice do you have for current Scholars?
The advice I would have given to myself and current scholars is the same, you get from this program what you put in. If you do the bare minimum, you will get bare minimum results. However, if you give this program 100%, the sky’s the limit on where you can go and what doors will open for you. Chicago Scholars provides a lot of support and resources for scholars but it’s up to them (us) to take advantage of it.
What does being from Chicago mean to you now?
Now, being from Chicago means that I’m resilient. Growing up as a little black girl in a low income area, the odds were stacked against me. Growing up, I could only see the bad in this city. In high school, I actually decided that I never wanted to live in Chicago again so once I had the opportunity to leave, I took it. I left in 2012 for college and didn’t move back until 2020. Now, being an adult in Chicago, I realize how great and unique this city is. I can now see how strong and determined Chicagoans are. I’m now living a life that I never thought was possible as a child and I’m so grateful for that!
What do you wish people knew about Chicago Scholars, as well as the city of Chicago?
I wish people knew how special Chicago really is. We always get a lot of media attention for the negative aspects of the city but Chicago has some of the most talented individuals in the world. There is so much positive in this city and Chicago Scholars is doing the work to make sure our amazing scholars are highlighted in every way possible. They are also doing everything they can to help these Scholars get to the next level (college), provide resources so they are successful, and then hopefully come back home to lead the next generation.