We’re in Chicago: Kamari Millison

What is your current role? How would you describe the work that you do?

I do a lot outside my day job, but I currently work for Chicago Public Schools as a Special Education Classroom assistant (SECA). As a SECA, I work one-on-one with students who have special needs. My role involves providing individualized support and assistance to help these students with their academic, social, and emotional development. I collaborate with teachers and other staff members to implement personalized education plans, adapt learning materials, and ensure that each student receives the attention and guidance they need to succeed in their educational environment. In addition to this, I am a Business Owner, Recording Artist, Audio Engineer, Producer, Graphic Designer, and Photographer. I also work with Afterschool Matters to teach introductory photography at Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep.

What was your Chicago Scholars experience like?

My Chicago Scholars experience was amazing. Through this program I was able to get a head start on planning for my post secondary education and even had a rough idea of the university I’d be attending before I started my senior year. I was also able to meet and connect with some of Chicago’s brightest minds who have all went off to do great things since we connected.

How did Chicago Scholars support you to be the person you are today?

Chicago scholars supported me by consistently reaching out during my college years to provide internship opportunities and other resources to ensure my success. Since graduating Chicago Scholars has also given me the opportunity to lead talks with some students to share more about my story and to instill knowledge and wisdom on the next generation of superstars.

What advice would you have given yourself just after being accepted into the program?

I would definitely tell myself to be more accepting of myself and who I was becoming. At the time, and still to this day to be honest, I battle with imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud,” despite evidence of their competence and success. I’m getting better at realizing I worked exceptionally hard for my achievements, but that is something that I wish I instilled more in myself when I was younger.

What do you wish people knew about Chicago Scholars, as well as the city of Chicago?

I wish people knew how accessible Chicago Scholars is. A lot of the times when I would tell people about the program they would get turned off by how prestigious it sounds. I also wish that people would realize that Chicago, like all large cities, has its bad apples, but a few bad actions from a small group of people aren’t a whole representation of the city.