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The Scholar Ambassador Experience on First Generation Day

Written by Morgan Mercieca on . Posted in Main Blog, Scholar Blog.

Each year at Chicago Scholars, we bring on a group of Scholar Ambassadors to represent the best of our work, allowing newly accepted Scholars to develop their leadership skills and participate in recruiting the next class of Scholars over the course of a year.
This year, we’re excited for you to meet the Class of 2029 Scholar Ambassadors through a series of blog posts and content that we’ll bring you monthly, to share how the Ambassadors are navigating their first year as Scholars.
Today, in celebration of both National First Generation Day and our New Scholar Application launching, we asked some of our Ambassadors about their experience as future first gen college students, what challenges they’ve faced so far as the first in their families to pursue college, and what they’re looking forward to.

Wisdom May, Chicago Scholars Class of 2029, Kenwood Academy High School

“Growing up life in itself was tough, and college wasn’t a guaranteed path for my family—it was more of a dream I held onto yet I never thought I’d achieve. My father, with such a poor academic career, didn’t give himself the chance to attempt college, while my mom, despite trying multiple times, struggled to complete even her first year of college. Watching their journey time and time again, I realized early on how significant it would be for myself and my family to pursue a higher education. For them, it was a door that was never fully opened; for me, it’s a door I’m determined to walk through, not just for myself, but to honor the paths they paved before me.”
“However, this journey has not come without its trials and tribulations. One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced as a first-generation student is the constant feeling of not being good enough. It’s hard to look around and see classmates who seem to always have an advantage—whether it’s access to better resources, guidance from family members who’ve navigated college before, or simply knowing how the system works. I’ve often felt like I’m playing catch-up, trying to understand a process that others seem to know by heart. Additionally, navigating the college application process without much help from my home has added heavily to the amount of pressure. My parents, despite their support and encouragement, haven’t been able to guide me through the process and I’ve had to figure things out on my own—financial aid applications, personal statements, college information, and more—sometimes feeling behind compared to my peers with more informed support systems.”
“However, despite these challenges, I’ve made it to the finish mark and college is within my reach, earning scholarships and seizing opportunities that once seemed like an elusive dream I could have only dreamt. This journey has shown me that hard work, persistence, and self-belief can help overcome even the toughest obstacles. Looking ahead, I am excited to fully embrace my college journey and pursue my career as a psychologist. Despite everything, I will not falter in my pursuit of this dream because I know I am capable of achieving what I set out to do.”

Enrique Camacho, Chicago Scholars Class of 2029, Benito Juarez Community Academy High School

“Since I was little, experiencing college life has been both a dream and a goal for me. College life to me consists of joining different groups that cultivate my Mexican heritage, studying abroad in places around the world, being able to have a whole different social community at my disposal, and attending college parties. My parents always encouraged me to strive for perfection in school and give myself the best chance to break the barrier of our family’s inability to go to college. While I was encouraged by my dreams and wishes, it was momentarily difficult for me to navigate the complexities of financial aid and the fear of college rejections.”

“As a future first-generation college student, I strongly desire to become a role model for my younger sister, who will apply to college in four years. She’s entering high school next year, and I want to show her that it’s possible to achieve our dreams despite the challenges. There are times when I struggle with the fear of what I do is not enough or if I’m good enough to attend college. However, my parent’s unwavering support and my small victories, like being part of different clubs such as the Student Voice Committee and serving as the Vice President of the Spanish club, reinforce my belief that what I’ve accomplished is thrilling and that I should be proud of my achievements.”

“Additionally, being accepted into Chicago Scholars and serving as an ambassador, as well as mentoring incoming high school freshmen at my school, has given me further opportunities to lead and inspire. Being a first-generation college student allows me to break the cycle of generational trauma where no one in my family has gone to college. I aspire to earn a degree in sociology to become a social worker, helping others in need while also providing financial and emotional support to my family. This journey is not just about me but also making the path easier for my sister and future generations.”

See Chicago Scholars’ impact on college access and economic mobility in Chicago and beyond.

The Impact of a College Degree: Reflections from Yezenia Sandoval

Written by Alexandra Greenwald on . Posted in Main Blog, Scholar Blog.

Chicago Scholars is excited to bring you a series of essays and reflections on the impact of Scholars’ college degrees on their communities, their families, and themselves. This essay was written by Yezenia Sandoval, Class of 2o19.

My junior year of high school, I was one out of two students selected from our junior class
to become a writing lab tutor. Little did I know it would become one of the most rewarding
experiences of my high school career. Throughout my childhood, I enjoyed reading
and writing and even considered pursuing a career in journalism. As a result, when I was offered this position, I saw it as an opportunity to sharpen my writing skills and contribute to the strength of my college applications.

However, I vividly remember the day I encountered a student who had been mandated by his literature teacher to come to the writing lab. The way he stared at his empty hands as my supervisor, a composition teacher, repeated the prompt to him several times. I came to realize that the blank stare, which eventually turned into blatant frustration, was a result of a language barrier.

When I began to translate between him and my supervisor, I saw the relief and gratitude on his face and was ultimately impressed by the depth of his contributions to the writing prompt. I remember leaving the room ultimately feeling like our education system had failed him. From that day onward, I realized the importance of this writing lab as a resource center but also the ways in which my identity impacted the space.

As a first-generation college graduate, I am grateful that my parents laid the foundation
for my educational growth through their consistent involvement and encouragement of
afterschool activities that would stimulate my educational development. However, this is not the
reality for most public school students across Chicago. Through my writing lab experience, I
learned about the academic gaps in our educational system by reading through hundreds of
essays. More importantly, I gained a desire to push for educational opportunities and
resources for students who come from similar backgrounds. This led to my involvement in
several initiatives at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor advocating for diversity and
inclusion in both academic and professional spaces.

Being involved in ALMA, a four-day orientation program for Latinx students, and Bridge Schools PLUS, a mentorship program for first year students, I was able to help students navigate the complexities of a college environment. My involvement in these programs was very rewarding but has also taught me the need to advocate for educational reform that paves the path for students to enter higher education.

As a mentor and non-profit leader, a college education has allowed me to leverage my
own educational experiences to create tools to close the achievement gap. These experiences
ultimately informed my decision to pursue a career within the education non-profit sector, which allows me to work with various stakeholders, including CPS students and educators, to create access to paid workforce opportunities while inspiring students to be pioneers within their respective communities.

Meet Our Class of 2029 Scholar Ambassadors!

Written by Morgan Mercieca on . Posted in Main Blog, Scholar Blog.

Each year at Chicago Scholars, we bring on a group of Scholar Ambassadors to represent the best of our work, allowing newly accepted Scholars to develop their leadership skills and participate in recruiting the next class of Scholars over the course of a year.
This year, we’re excited for you to meet the Class of 2029 Scholar Ambassadors through a series of blog posts and content that we’ll bring you monthly, to share how the Ambassadors are navigating their first year as Scholars.
To kick things off, we had our Ambassadors tell us how the start of their experience in the program has been, why they decided to apply for the Ambassador program, and whether they feel that being an Ambassador will help prepare them for the upcoming Onsite College and Leadership Forum.

Devine Valdez, Chicago Scholars Class of 2029, Charles P. Steinmetz College Prep

“Hello! My name is Devine Valdez and I’m going to be a first Gen college student (Class of
2029)
The start of my Chicago Scholar Ambassadors journey has been absolutely unreal. Even
though the program itself just started, I feel like i’ve connected with both other members and
our facilitator. Our facilitator, Karla, will go out of her way to make sure we’re all mentally and
physically flourishing. I love that kind of support especially with On-Site coming up! Being in
the Ambassador program creates a safe space for everyone. It’s also fun! Even though my
Ambassador journey just started, I already see the ways its broaden my perspective on life. I
love being in this program and look forward to continuing my journey with everyone.
I decided to become an Ambassador because I wanted to bring opportunities like these back
to my community. I’m a huge believer in creating pathways for low opportunity communities
like mine. I believed in everything Chicago Scholars Ambassadors represents so advocating
for it was a must for me. I want to bring new resources that every student deserves to at least
have a chance to obtain. I absolutely believe being an Ambassador will help me prepare for
On-Site. They prepare us to take advantage of every opportunity they throw at us and trust
me when I say this, Its a lot. They also encourage us to be ourselves and to not be ashamed
of who we are and where we started. Self expression will help a ton during college interviews
so they can get to know us away from our classroom. Also just them telling us to speak loudly
and proudly to convey confidence is helpful as is. Being interviewed is nerve wrecking, self
presentation gives the first impression. Just fake it till you make it, and eventually you will feel
confident. Interviews are all about talking about yourself, don’t be shy! Be unapologetically
yourself!”

Nico Hussey-Gonzalez, Chicago Scholars Class of 2029, William Jones College Prep High School

When I applied to the Chicago Scholars Ambassador program, I was nervous of a
very competitive and rigorous experience. Although I was not wrong about the rigor, the
Ambassador program welcomed me with warm and open arms. The first meeting was
filled with friendly people, who further established connections by reaching out time
and time again. I came out of that meeting with a smile on my face, knowing not only
that I had an amazing support system, but that we were going to help a lot of people
through Chicago Scholars.

The Chicago Scholars program has already helped thousands with their
character, the college application process and building connections that will help them
succeed. However, this has only happened due to the stellar scholars and mentors that
have fostered these ideals within the entire Chicago Scholars community. Scholar
Ambassadors make sure that Scholars and Mentors not only help this program, but pass
on its message and its benefits into the program that has helped me and many others so
much. Though there has been only one meeting, I know the Ambassadors will help
secure this opportunity for many.

Another one of the Ambassador’s duties is to grow as a leader and as a speaker.
To be an ambassador is to communicate, to ensure the cohesive workings of a program
as large as Chicago Scholars. It is also to ensure that within a program, workplace or
even a school, each person feels connected within their community. The Ambassador
program grows leaders and speakers, fostering them not only for college but for their
lives beyond, so that Chicago Scholars and even Chicago itself can be better off for it. At
Onsite, for example, a place where Scholars are given access to exclusive interviews to
colleges they have applied to, the tools that are given and fostered in Ambassadors help
them flourish at Onsite. Interviews leave college admissions offers with stunning
impressions of communication skills, and colleges all around admire the leadership that
can be found in each and every one of the Scholar Ambassadors. Through the amazing
support system, tool for good and leadership building that can be found in the Scholar
Ambassador program, I am glad and proud to be an Ambassador myself.

 

See Chicago Scholars’ impact on college access and economic mobility in Chicago and beyond.

Class of 2029 Chicago Scholars show off their New Scholar Orientation projects

My NSO Experience: McKenzie Young, Class of 2029

Written by McKenzie Young on . Posted in Main Blog, Scholar Blog.

McKenzie Young is a Class of 2029 Chicago Scholar. 

On Friday, May 3rd at 4:12 p.m., I received an email that would change my life forever. I’d been waiting for this letter for six months and my dream finally came true – I had been  selected as a Chicago Scholar.

I felt overwhelmed with joy and a deep sense of accomplishment. I knew that this was going to be the start of something truly remarkable and I was determined to make the best of it. As a first-year Scholar, I was looking forward to meeting my cohort and mentors. Considering that a substantial number of people from my school were in the program, I knew that the New Scholar Orientation (NSO) was a space to branch out.

Learn more about the Chicago Scholars seven-year program model

The first day of NSO was an evening Zoom meeting. Frankly, I was surprised by the number of students on the call, but I was thrilled. The executive team behind the program kicked us off with the CEO sharing an inspirational message about the journey ahead with a slideshow presentation. An hour later, I was split into a breakout room with the rest of my cohort. We played icebreakers to get to know each other and talked about what activities we wanted to do throughout the year. Initially, I was worried about who would be placed in my cohort because I wasn’t sure if we would mesh well together. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the diverse range of people in my group. We all had different strengths and interests, which allowed us to learn from each other and grow together. As the meeting came to a close, I was able to connect with some of the Scholars and exchange contact information in the Zoom meeting group chat. I was looking forward to the next day so I could finally see everyone in person.

I woke up the next morning brimming with excitement. On the way to Roosevelt University, I wondered what the second day would bring. As soon as I got out of the car, the energy in the air was palpable. There was a line wrapped around the building! As I gathered for the day’s activities, I was eager to embark on this new chapter of my life. Walking into a lecture hall with people that I didn’t know was quite intimidating at first, but I quickly took a deep breath and stepped inside. I could feel the anticipation in the air as everyone filed in. I knew that I was surrounded by people who were just as eager to make the most out of their time in Chicago Scholars as I was. I met everyone in my cohort and we played more icebreakers. The real fun began when we started playing Jeopardy. To say that the competition was intense…is an understatement. It was a riot! People were shouting at each other, getting up out of their seats, etc. I’m just happy that my team won. Shortly after, all cohorts gathered in the gym for the final ceremony, where we did a group activity in which we got to be vulnerable by sharing our “superpowers” with each other. The activity allowed us to recognize our strengths and weaknesses, which gave us a better understanding of how to work together. We were all able to go home feeling inspired.

Even though the rest of the week was optional, I still wanted to seize the opportunity by going to the workshops at the CS headquarters. CS has one of the best office spaces that I’ve ever seen. To be brief, all the workshops I went to were phenomenal. I got to learn about leadership opportunities within Chicago Scholars that I definitely will be applying to. I met tons of people and the CS staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. I left the workshops feeling confident that I could make a difference in the organization.

In essence, NSO was an amazing experience and a fun way to kick off the year. I feel so motivated about the college application process. I can’t wait for the next seven years of my life in the program and beyond!

See Chicago Scholars’ impact on college access and economic mobility in Chicago and beyond.

A Scholar’s Transition to College

Written by Lee Overton on . Posted in Main Blog, Scholar Blog. Leave a Comment

Now that society has started to return to normal, there’s been a lot of interest in how students experienced the earth-shattering changes of the pandemic, from Zoom lectures to online quizzes to hoping that you and your classmates can find a way to hang out together after your last Zoom ends. And you definitely understood your history teacher’s glitchy lecture on Reconstruction, right? But it was also a huge leap to go from remote classes back to normal, in-person classes as the pandemic eased up. For me, I had to do it in my last year of high school as a year one Chicago Scholar.

At the start of my senior year, the world was still testing the waters when it came to opening back up. All school buildings were open to students and faculty, but at any sign of COVID, they would shut down and go fully remote again. Extracurriculars were back, but they could be canceled in a heartbeat. Until second semester, we had to wear masks in the classroom. As a senior, I could never be sure that I’d have all the traditional milestones other classes enjoyed.

The hardest part was the stress of college applications. I had organized myself when preparing for college applications, but I was nowhere near ready as I thought. I had planned to meet with college admissions reps at Onsite, but had to face the reality of those meetings being virtual. This meant that I had to work especially hard on all materials I submitted. It was a demoralizing challenge to say the least. I would look at admissions reps that were willing to meet with me over Zoom, doing my best to smile and be professional while on the inside, I was freaking out because there was no one at home to help me stay calm.

Thankfully, as a year one Scholar, I had resources to help me get through these difficulties. My cohort mentors kept me motivated with my applications and didn’t interrogate me about whether any decisions were made. On top of that, Chicago Scholars offered workshops in our monthly meetings to practice Zoom etiquette and how to best get organized and feel confident when we eventually pressed that submit button.

Now that I’m in year two attending Columbia College, where normalcy has officially returned and is encouraged to students, I look back and reflect on the support I had to guide me through the challenging year. It is a bittersweet reflection, though, because I can’t help but think about the 8th grade students that transitioned into high school at the same time I was exiting it. I had that moment before the pandemic struck, and it was difficult for me. I can only hope that they had a support system similar to the one I was lucky enough to have, to remind them they aren’t alone in the stressful transition. Many students can attest to that.

Don’t let your dream school distract you from the right school

Written by Kyle Williams on . Posted in Main Blog, Scholar Blog. Leave a Comment

It’s hard to believe that I was still deciding where to attend college four years ago. The entire process gave me anxiety: even though several schools admitted me at Onsite. I was happy to receive the admission letters in October, but the financial aid packages were minimal.

I come from a one-parent household, so securing a robust financial aid package was paramount for me to attend college. Knowing that, I decided to apply for outside scholarships to help bridge the gap, but the scholarships weren’t renewable other than the one given to me by the Chicago Cubs. I didn’t have a favorite school throughout the process, because my dream schools were out of reach.

Knox College was a school that I applied to without knowing much about the institution. It didn’t have a journalism major, only a minor. For me, that was already a red flag, so I didn’t research the school further. They didn’t give me an admissions decision at Onsite and eventually rejected my application. I met with my Chicago Scholars counselor, Monique Moore, and she said I should apply again after I received my second-quarter grades. She told me about Knox’s academic reputation. She didn’t allow me to take the first response as the only response.

Around mid-January, I received an acceptance from the small liberal arts college in central Illinois. There wasn’t any jubilation or tears of joy, just indifference. I didn’t believe I was going to attend the school. I was so adamant about not going to Knox that I didn’t even visit. (Note to Scholars: that was a big mistake, don’t do what I did).

Fast forward to the last week of April when I decided to attend Columbia College Chicago. I visited the downtown campus, talked with alumni and professors, and fell in love with the program. I worried about not receiving the full college experience as a commuter, but commuting allowed me to save money.

On the Thursday before decision day, Knox’s financial aid award letter was delivered to my home. It was the best package I was offered, and it turned out that my best friend was also planning to attend.

If you’re a stellar student, I know you have your dream school in mind, but don’t close your mind to other schools. Do your research and weigh your options. What might look like your “dream school” might not be the great fit that you initially thought. Ms. Moore’s help was unquantifiable; I couldn’t have gone through the college process without her guidance in the college process. She helped me write letters and find realistic options. She always told me the truth, even if I didn’t want to hear it. Looking back, I wish I had taken advantage of those counseling sessions more. Ask questions, even if the outcome seems final. If your session is almost over, ask if you can schedule another time. Today, I’m a first-generation college graduate in large part due to the foundation set from my time as a Chicago Scholar and the resources available to me.

Making Up Time

Written by Rashad Alexander on . Posted in Main Blog, Scholar Blog. Leave a Comment

It still feels like March of 2020 just wasn’t a real time. One day I’m on spring break, listening to Lil Uzi Vert’s new album “Eternal Atake;” the next, I’m finding out spring break is going to be extended for another week. The next thing I know, I can’t see any of my college friends for the next five months and my freshman year is essentially over.

It was already difficult adjusting to college, especially as a first-generation student who wasn’t 100% sure what I want to do with my degree in journalism. And just when I started getting settled into the college lifestyle, it felt like I had to start all over once my sophomore year arrived. Things weren’t getting any easier as I was struggling to find an internship because of the pandemic restrictions. It just didn’t feel like things were going my way when it came to getting by in college. But when I realized the handful of resources I truly had, it changed my outlook on things.

I always knew that I would still be a Chicago Scholar throughout my four years of college, but I never knew how helpful the program would be for me after high school graduation. Along with the mentors and cohorts provided from the first day, Chicago Scholars allowed me to learn about various opportunities and connections through the program that would allow me to succeed. Whether it would be the ELD funding grant, or their seminar events, there are many ways to help you succeed with Chicago Scholars, as that’s their overall goal.

Once I was more tapped in with Chicago Scholars, I was inspired to become even more involved at Marquette. I joined the student media organization, which eventually led me to a leadership role as the music director for Marquette Radio. I also joined a mentorship program at Marquette and was matched with an alumnus who was in a similar field. I even joined boxing, which I never thought I would enjoy, but it connected me with more students and gave me a way to relieve stress.

The pandemic took so much from my college experience, but I was able to salvage what was left of my time at Marquette. With less than two months left in my undergraduate journey, I can say that I made the right decision to stay at Marquette. The moral of my story is when you use your resources around you, it can make your life a whole lot easier. And while there were things I wish I could have changed, I am grateful for all that I learned and who I am able to bring myself around. With the help of programs like Chicago Scholars, I’ve been able to make the most of my college experience and make things easier for myself. I even met one of my closest friends at Marquette because we found out we were both Chicago Scholars. The program helped open so many doors for me within college, and I’m forever grateful for submitting that application during my junior year of high school.