What is your current role? How would you describe the work that you do?
I am the Regional Water Trails Manager for Openlands. My essential job duties entail being a managing liaison between the organization’s frontward-facing water trail work and people. This looks like overseeing projects, programs, and educational experiences, that increase access and awareness of the Northeastern Illinois water trail system with a special focus on the Calumet area Water Trails.
What was your Chicago Scholars experience like?
Chicago Scholars aided in my adolescent metamorphosis and played a significant role in my coming-of-age story. With little to no familial college-to-career guidance, Chicago Scholars provided a safe space to explore a pathway to higher education and the beginning stages of my journey with likeminded peers. Although I was an unconventional Scholar – I attended a 2-year college instead of a traditional 4-year college and was admitted into CS through one of CS’s athlete bridge programs called World Sports Chicago, Chicago Scholars made sure I did not fall between the cracks.
How did Chicago Scholars support you to be the person you are today?
Chicago Scholars played a significant role in shaping who I am today, despite not going to a traditional 4-year university. Its headquarters was my respite and a haven while I navigated my footing. Alumni engagement staff members, specifically Lashawn Holloway, supported me before I realized I needed support. Lashawn provided me with food (being young and broke, this means a lot), mentorship, and resources. The CS Alumni engagement team also hosted alumni gatherings which helped me engage with my peers.
What advice would you have given yourself after being accepted into the program? What advice do you have for current Scholars?
If I could rewind time, I would advise myself to be confident, to believe in the process, and to play a more active role in defining my north star. CS is a place full of people who genuinely want you to succeed, break generational patterns of poverty, and develop into a well-rounded adult. Finding your footing is a challenging process and many scholars had outside factors influencing them. For those who are battling outside influences, inner conflicts, doubts, or fear, I would advise them of the saying “carpe diem” or seize the day because you never know what putting your best foot forward can do. I would also advise Scholars to focus on building healthy relationships with their cohort members and rapport with their mentors, CS staff, and upper leadership.
What does being from Chicago mean to you now?
Being from Chicago to is a badge of honor, because Chicagoans, similar to the Powerpuff Girls, are made of sugar, spice, and everything nice. Chicagoans are unique because we are where heart meets grit and grits meet growth.
What do you wish people knew about Chicago Scholars, as well as the city of Chicago?
People should know that Chicago Scholars attracts youth from all walks of life and reflects the racial, religious, and cultural diversity prevalent in the city of Chicago. Being immersed in spaces that are diverse in background and perspective is valuable and necessary for young people, and Chicago Scholars offers that.
