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Scholar Ambassador Blog Post – The Application Process

Written by Morgan Mercieca on . Posted in Uncategorized.

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. Scholar Ambassador Blog Post – Application
This year, we’re excited for you to meet the Class of 2029 Scholar Ambassadors through a series of blog posts and content to share how the Ambassadors are navigating their first year as Scholars.
Today, as we head into New Scholar Selection Days to bring on the incoming Scholar Class of 2030, we asked our Ambassadors what their process was like when they first applied to become a Scholar, and what advice they have for applicants going through the process now. Head below to read their response!

Sonia Rivera, Chicago Scholars Class of 2029, Albert G. Lane Technical High School

“I first learned about Chicago Scholars from my sister during middle school. She had always been passionate about helping me explore various opportunities for personal and educational growth, and she provided me with information about the program. She emphasized how Chicago Scholars could open doors for me in high school, mentioning its focus on college readiness and support for minority students. Later, in my junior year, a friend reminded me about the program a month before the priority application deadline. They spoke highly of Chicago Scholars’ resources and guidance, reigniting my interest and motivating me to learn more and to take advantage of this valuable opportunity.
Applying to Chicago Scholars was both a straightforward and thorough experience for me. The process was undeniably nerve-wracking, but it ultimately turned out to be highly rewarding and not as terrifying as it seemed at first. It granted me the opportunity to reflect on my unique perspective and share my personal experiences. I thoroughly worked through each of the application requirements, taking care to double-check every detail to ensure that nothing was overlooked. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of preparation, I clicked the submit button. A wave of nervousness washed over me as I faced the anxious wait to learn my status and whether I would progress to the next step: the interviews.
Since being accepted, I often find myself looking back, reflecting on my journey and the experiences that shaped it. To future scholars applying this year, my sincere advice is to seize the opportunity and advocate for yourselves and your aspirations. It’s crucial to believe in your potential and take that bold step forward. Remember, even the smallest actions can lead to significant changes, regardless of how motivated or anxious you may feel about the journey ahead. Embrace the uncertainty and know that every effort you make can pave the way for a brighter future.“
Want to stay up to date with our Scholar Ambassadors? Follow along with them here! 

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.

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.