What is your current role? How would you describe the work that you do?
I am currently a Special Education Tutor transitioning into Education Consulting. I provide special education services to diverse learners at private and religious schools, ensuring they receive the support they qualify for under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
What was your Chicago Scholars experience like?
My experience with Chicago Scholars is beyond words. It was incredible and life-changing, providing the love, support, and community I needed to pursue my dreams. The people, the resources, and the entire community gave me everything I needed to feel confident and be myself as I ventured into the world after high school.
How did Chicago Scholars support you to be the person you are today?
I always knew I wanted to attend college and pursue a professional career. Chicago Scholars played a pivotal role in helping me achieve this goal by providing exposure to professional contacts, workshops, and investing personally in my life and career journey. When my mom passed away during my junior year of college, Chicago Scholars gave me the community, reassurance, and resources I needed to keep moving forward.
What advice would you have given yourself just after being accepted into the program?
Advice I would have given myself just after being accepted in the program would have been to deepen my connections with other Scholars outside of those who I went to the same high school with.
What advice do you have for current Scholars?
My advice for current scholars is to truly enjoy college. Use this time to pursue what you love and focus on your passions. Don’t spend time on subjects or activities that don’t excite you. Learn about business and generating income beyond your salary. If possible, avoid working part-time jobs and concentrate on your studies and building your brand. Create a plan for your life and set clear goals for where you want to go. Work extremely hard now while you’re young so that in your mid-twenties to thirties, you can have more time for family, fun, and travel by achieving financial stability. Establish systems now that will support and enable you to live a life of freedom. Finish what you start, don’t leave college without that degree.
What does being from Chicago mean to you now?
Wow, what an exciting question! I feel incredibly privileged to call Chicago my home—it’s my absolute favorite place to live. Despite having lived in other places, nothing compares to Chicago. For me, being from Chicago embodies diversity, rich culture, genuine hospitality, quick wit, and street smarts. It’s a place where I’ve had the privilege to see my dreams come true
What do you wish people knew about Chicago Scholars, as well as the city of Chicago?
I wish people understood the immense value Chicago Scholars provides to its scholars and alumni, both personally and professionally. I wish everyone could experience the fun of the Swing for Scholars events. Chicago is a beautiful, loving, comforting, and exciting city, brimming with rich history, vibrant people, diverse culture, and unforgettable experiences.
