2022-2023
College and Career Readiness Staff Stories
Arleen Baez
Why I Went to College -
I grew up believing in the value of a good education. It was encouraged by my family and believed to be important for a successful future. I went to college to prepare myself to become a responsible, independent hard working adult.
How I Became College Ready -
I attended elementary school from Head Start to eighth grade at St. Mark Elementary. I completed four more years at a private High School . Staying in school, working hard, studying and always doing my best was how I prepared myself for college. With the help and support of my mother, close family, friends and teachers, I was able to attend and graduate from Mundelein College, a private girls college in Chicago. I later continued my education at Roosevelt University, where I completed my Masters of Arts Degree.
I grew up believing in the value of a good education. It was encouraged by my family and believed to be important for a successful future. I went to college to prepare myself to become a responsible, independent hard working adult.
How I Became College Ready -
I attended elementary school from Head Start to eighth grade at St. Mark Elementary. I completed four more years at a private High School . Staying in school, working hard, studying and always doing my best was how I prepared myself for college. With the help and support of my mother, close family, friends and teachers, I was able to attend and graduate from Mundelein College, a private girls college in Chicago. I later continued my education at Roosevelt University, where I completed my Masters of Arts Degree.
Melissa Hazzard
Hi my name is Melissa Hazzard and I am the Nightingale school nurse. Deciding to go to college was an easy choice for me. I saw college as a way to get out of poverty and a neighborhood high in crime. I understood college as a way to not only succeed for myself, but as a way to ensure that my family could move into a better life as well. When choosing a career, I knew that I wanted a career that allowed me to help others, especially children. Nursing was a career that would allow me to be selfless and give to others both physically and mentally. I decided to attend Chicago State University because the tuition was affordable and I could still live at home and help my parents. I began college as a nervous and unsure 18 year old, and four years later I graduated as a confident and excited nurse. I received my Bachelors Degree in the Science of Nursing.
Sandra Barrientos
Being “College Ready” and having a career path picked out right after high school was not realistic for me. Over the course of my college career, I took many classes and gained a wide range of knowledge, but I was undecided for the first few years.. Nevertheless, I graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in nutrition. As soon as I graduated, I began working at a hospital as a counselor for a psychiatric ward. After having time to reflect on building a career based on something I wanted, I decided to return to school after a period of time. It was clear to me that obtaining a higher education would open doors to a career in teaching, which was what I was really passionate about. I completed my master's degree in Education at National Louis University and completed an endorsement in Bilingual Education. Throughout my pursuit to become a teacher, my family and friends provided me with a great deal of support. Having made a career change, I learned that being persistent and motivated were what helped me gain knowledge and growth, ultimately being the skills that I strive to teach to my students. Having grown up in Gage park, I see myself reflected in the students I teach. It is a constant reminder to them and to me, that with the right support, you can reach your full potential.
Rosalba Hernandez
I grew up in Little Village. My parents always instilled in me the importance of an education in order to create a better life. They made many sacrifices to send my brother and I to Catholic Schools for both elementary and high school. Focusing on getting good grades to get into a good college was my goal.
Thanks to my parents’ support and my determination I graduated from Loyola University while working
part-time then obtained my Master’s degree in education at the University of Illinois. I enjoy working with children and hope to instill the love of learning in my students. Getting an education gives a person opportunities and personal satisfaction in knowing anything is possible if you set you mind to it.
Thanks to my parents’ support and my determination I graduated from Loyola University while working
part-time then obtained my Master’s degree in education at the University of Illinois. I enjoy working with children and hope to instill the love of learning in my students. Getting an education gives a person opportunities and personal satisfaction in knowing anything is possible if you set you mind to it.
Norma Covarrubias
College readiness is a distinctive experience for everyone. I wanted to have a career and knew college was the path. So, a year after high school, I enrolled at Mountain View Community College in Dallas, TX.
As an undergraduate, I knew I had to choose a major soon. I was interested in working with children. I explored Child Psychology. Psychology requires many science courses, and learning the anatomy terminology along with identifying skull fragments was grueling.
I also volunteered at Dallas Parkland Hospital in the Occupational Therapy department. I assisted in therapeutic sessions for ill or disabled young children. It was an emotional experience, and I could not see myself on this career path.
Then, I began to work at a daycare facility where I enjoyed assisting with teaching foundational skills, number concepts, and, my favorite, storytime. The smiles of joy the children shared with me were rewarding. I knew this was the career I needed to pursue.
I was beyond excited when I received my acceptance letter from the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I worked long hours on weekdays and weekends, completing assignments. Many times it felt impossible. Yet, I continued to move daily, semester by semester, completing clinical hours, research study cases, and student teaching practicum. Getting my bachelor's degree is the best decision I've made!
I joined a cohort through National Louis University to obtain an ESL and Bilingual Endorsement. I realized I loved learning about my career and how I could be better at it. After completing the endorsements, a few more classes would earn me a Master's Degree. So, I continued my journey and obtained a Learning Behaviorist Specialist Endorsement at my pace. Yet another great decision in my life!
Through my college experience, I became career-ready. I persevered through many challenges, allowing me to continue to the next step. However, I couldn't have done it alone. I am appreciative of having a supportive family during this journey.
As an undergraduate, I knew I had to choose a major soon. I was interested in working with children. I explored Child Psychology. Psychology requires many science courses, and learning the anatomy terminology along with identifying skull fragments was grueling.
I also volunteered at Dallas Parkland Hospital in the Occupational Therapy department. I assisted in therapeutic sessions for ill or disabled young children. It was an emotional experience, and I could not see myself on this career path.
Then, I began to work at a daycare facility where I enjoyed assisting with teaching foundational skills, number concepts, and, my favorite, storytime. The smiles of joy the children shared with me were rewarding. I knew this was the career I needed to pursue.
I was beyond excited when I received my acceptance letter from the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I worked long hours on weekdays and weekends, completing assignments. Many times it felt impossible. Yet, I continued to move daily, semester by semester, completing clinical hours, research study cases, and student teaching practicum. Getting my bachelor's degree is the best decision I've made!
I joined a cohort through National Louis University to obtain an ESL and Bilingual Endorsement. I realized I loved learning about my career and how I could be better at it. After completing the endorsements, a few more classes would earn me a Master's Degree. So, I continued my journey and obtained a Learning Behaviorist Specialist Endorsement at my pace. Yet another great decision in my life!
Through my college experience, I became career-ready. I persevered through many challenges, allowing me to continue to the next step. However, I couldn't have done it alone. I am appreciative of having a supportive family during this journey.
Lucy Murguia
In elementary school I wanted to pursue higher education because I knew it would be a great investment that would expand my career options, increase my earning potential, and provide me independence. My eighth grade teacher made all this clear to me, but at the time I was unsure on what I wanted to pursue as a profession, which continued up until adulthood. And while I was unsure I knew that for my college experience I wanted the true college experience of living on campus and so I decided to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. There I got to meet people from all over the state, country, and world. It exposed me to new experiences and people of different walks of life. It was definitely different from what I was accustomed to growing up. While some friends had the experience of studying abroad, I never did and hearing about their experiences left me hoping one day to travel the world. I took my first trip overseas while I was in between jobs, having taken a job as an office manager after college while I tried to figure out my true calling. My first trip led to more trips, including teaching overseas for three years. My travels made me realize how much I enjoy learning about people and the world itself and therefore, felt teaching was a good fit for me. Since I enjoyed math class in both elementary and high school I decided to become a math teacher to best support students and enjoy my job.
2021-2022
College and Career Readiness Staff Stories
June - Gricelda Monroy
I did not have a traditional path to college. I began a family early in life and focused on raising my family with my husband. I found my way to an immigration law firm where I spent the majority of my young adult life. At first, the work was fulfilling and it allowed me to provide for my family. Yet, I felt something was missing. I began to feel trapped. I knew that this was not the place I wanted to be for the rest of my life. As I began to explore my options, they were limited. That is when I realized that the only way I was going to get somewhere different in life was if I went back to school.
So, wanting something different for myself, something better, I signed up for a class at my local community college. One class, that was it. And that is all it took to change the course of my life forever. After the first semester, I was hooked. I loved being back in school. It gave me a sense of freedom. The freedom to choose who I wanted to be.
This was also the most challenging time for me. Pursuing my dream meant sacrifices; not only for me, but for my family as well. Going to school, working full-time, raising a family was no easy task, but I did not do this alone. I had tremendous support from my family, my teachers, my friends; I could not have done this without them.
It took me six years to complete my degree, but every late night spent studying, every family function missed, and every homework, exam, project brought me to where I am, and I would do it all over again because now I get to do what I love EVERY SINGLE DAY.
So, wanting something different for myself, something better, I signed up for a class at my local community college. One class, that was it. And that is all it took to change the course of my life forever. After the first semester, I was hooked. I loved being back in school. It gave me a sense of freedom. The freedom to choose who I wanted to be.
This was also the most challenging time for me. Pursuing my dream meant sacrifices; not only for me, but for my family as well. Going to school, working full-time, raising a family was no easy task, but I did not do this alone. I had tremendous support from my family, my teachers, my friends; I could not have done this without them.
It took me six years to complete my degree, but every late night spent studying, every family function missed, and every homework, exam, project brought me to where I am, and I would do it all over again because now I get to do what I love EVERY SINGLE DAY.
May - Jeffrey Senf
My story begins in Oak Lawn at Christ hospital where I was born. From there my five siblings and I were raised in a small house on the south side of Chicago in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood. Both of my parents attended Evergreen Park high school. My father grew up the all American boy playing sports in high school and eventually joining the army. My mother grew up in the Gresham neighborhood and was the daughter of two Lithuanian immigrants. Their home was located down the street from where Simeon high school sits now. Mom struggled through the first few years of her schooling because of her inability to I attended Mt. Greenwood elementary school and went to Marist High School on the South side of Chicago. By my sophomore year at Marist, I realized that college wasn’t simply an option, but a necessity. I was fortunate to have older siblings go through high school and college before me. They were able to assist and guide me through the education process. One of the most difficult decisions that I had to make was not joining the USMC. Having two grandfathers who served in WWII and a father who served in the army attracted me to the military. At Marist I had some great teachers who really encouraged me to not only consider the military option, but possibly a career in education. By senior year I was heavily leaning in the direction of attending college. My first choice for college was Marquette University. Due to the lack of instate financial aid, I chose not to attend Marquette and enrolled at Southern Illinois University. I completed my first two years at SIU and then transferred to Saint Xavier University. After finishing at SXU, I completed my master’s degree at Governor’s State University.
Life is a rollercoaster! One should expect ups and downs along the way. Education is a life-long process where learning is constantly occurring. Surround yourself with positive-successful people who encourage you to reach your full potential. Individual responsibility is essential and the only roadblock standing in one’s way is the lack of personal initiative.
Life is a rollercoaster! One should expect ups and downs along the way. Education is a life-long process where learning is constantly occurring. Surround yourself with positive-successful people who encourage you to reach your full potential. Individual responsibility is essential and the only roadblock standing in one’s way is the lack of personal initiative.
April - Marcia Linares
In high school I was unsure of what I wanted to do after graduation, but I knew there was an expectation for me to go to college. I started thinking of things I was interested in and whether I wanted to go to school close to home or live on campus. I decided to stay at home and enrolled at Morton College in Cicero, IL until I decided on a major. I transferred to UIC to stay close to home. I majored in Criminal Justice because I wanted to be an FBI agent, but I decided I wanted to find a job helping people. I worked in the Early Intervention Program for a few years. I helped organize services for children with developmental delays or disabilities. At this time, I decided to return to school and enrolled in the graduate program at Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work. I met a lot of amazing people during my time in college and I really enjoyed all of the experiences.
March - Victoria Vasquez
Growing up I knew that I wanted to attend college immediately after high school. That was always the goal. However, once I got there I was unsure on what I wanted to focus on career wise. I started taking teaching classes and knew it was the right fit. I transferred to a school I felt had a great teaching program, Illinois State University. From there, I received the education and preparation for my dream job. I am forever grateful for my college experience.
February - Mary Solis
“Challenges are what makes life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes life meaningful”. - Joshua J. Marine
I went to college later in life. Decided there would be better opportunities for me if I had a college degree. Wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but loved math and wanted to learn about technology because I knew that would be the future, so I decided to pursue my education in Computer Science in order to become a computer analyst.
I had to put myself through college, therefore I had to work and go to school at the same time. I remember thinking, “ I wish I would have gone to college after high school. It would have been easier.”
I anticipated obstacles and challenges that I might face and knew that I had to learn to approach them with a mindset of not giving up, but finding a way to work around them in order to accomplish my goal of getting a college degree.
I planned on my journey like Vincent van Gogh’s following quote. “I’ll start with the small things.“ - Vincent van Gogh
After enrolling at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), I worked part time as a secretary at the Institute for Latino Progress. One day, the algebra teacher did not show up for work leaving a classroom full of adults waiting. I was asked to teach the algebra class in Spanish. I never taught before and was a little nervous, but accepted the opportunity. At the end of the class, I received several compliments from the students in the class. On my way home from work, I had this overwhelming feeling of happiness. I truly enjoyed teaching the class. This was the turning point in my life because I knew that this is what I wanted to do...teach. I decided to get a college degree in education instead of computer science with no regrets, since teaching has always been a passion of mine.
Getting a college degree was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life!
I went to college later in life. Decided there would be better opportunities for me if I had a college degree. Wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but loved math and wanted to learn about technology because I knew that would be the future, so I decided to pursue my education in Computer Science in order to become a computer analyst.
I had to put myself through college, therefore I had to work and go to school at the same time. I remember thinking, “ I wish I would have gone to college after high school. It would have been easier.”
I anticipated obstacles and challenges that I might face and knew that I had to learn to approach them with a mindset of not giving up, but finding a way to work around them in order to accomplish my goal of getting a college degree.
I planned on my journey like Vincent van Gogh’s following quote. “I’ll start with the small things.“ - Vincent van Gogh
After enrolling at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), I worked part time as a secretary at the Institute for Latino Progress. One day, the algebra teacher did not show up for work leaving a classroom full of adults waiting. I was asked to teach the algebra class in Spanish. I never taught before and was a little nervous, but accepted the opportunity. At the end of the class, I received several compliments from the students in the class. On my way home from work, I had this overwhelming feeling of happiness. I truly enjoyed teaching the class. This was the turning point in my life because I knew that this is what I wanted to do...teach. I decided to get a college degree in education instead of computer science with no regrets, since teaching has always been a passion of mine.
Getting a college degree was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life!
January - Monica Rebolledo
For as long as I can remember, I was always a very ambitious person. Growing up with two
loving immigrant parents, I was taught the value of hard work and determination at a young age.
I had many hobbies and interests which ultimately led me to find what I was most passionate
about. It wasn’t until I volunteered many hours at the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago, worked with families at Lurie Children’s Hospital, and even as a summer camp counselor that I truly decided to dedicate myself to the teaching profession. I attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and graduated with my Bachelor’s degree inEducation. Then, I furthered my learning even more by obtaining endorsements in Language Arts and English as a Second Language. Just this past summer, I graduated again with a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with the intent of growing my understanding about how my own students learn. Continuing my education and following my dream of becoming a teacher has been the best learning experience!
loving immigrant parents, I was taught the value of hard work and determination at a young age.
I had many hobbies and interests which ultimately led me to find what I was most passionate
about. It wasn’t until I volunteered many hours at the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago, worked with families at Lurie Children’s Hospital, and even as a summer camp counselor that I truly decided to dedicate myself to the teaching profession. I attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and graduated with my Bachelor’s degree inEducation. Then, I furthered my learning even more by obtaining endorsements in Language Arts and English as a Second Language. Just this past summer, I graduated again with a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with the intent of growing my understanding about how my own students learn. Continuing my education and following my dream of becoming a teacher has been the best learning experience!
December - Mia Fey
I always knew that having an education was going to be something I would earn on my own and something no one could ever take away from me. I was eager to graduate from High School, but did not know the career path I wanted to pursue. I went to Moraine Valley Community College where I earned my Associates Degree and took advantage of the Disney College Program while I was there. During my second year at Moraine Valley, I learned about how I could go to Disney, work and learn more about where my passions lied. The quest to figure out what and who I wanted to be, was a very exciting adventure.
During my time at Disney, I met people from all over the world and learned that no matter what career path I chose, I knew I wanted to work with children. When I returned to Chicago, I went to Saint Xavier University and earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology. During this time in my life, I focused on volunteering for Tutoring Chicago and worked for SGA Youth and Family Services where my passion for working with children grew. A couple years later, I was back in school to pursue my Master’s Degree in School Counseling. I feel passionate about helping others and giving back to the Chicago community.I love working at Nightingale Elementary and feel blessed to be part of a loving community.
During my time at Disney, I met people from all over the world and learned that no matter what career path I chose, I knew I wanted to work with children. When I returned to Chicago, I went to Saint Xavier University and earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology. During this time in my life, I focused on volunteering for Tutoring Chicago and worked for SGA Youth and Family Services where my passion for working with children grew. A couple years later, I was back in school to pursue my Master’s Degree in School Counseling. I feel passionate about helping others and giving back to the Chicago community.I love working at Nightingale Elementary and feel blessed to be part of a loving community.
November - Layne McCartney
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Growing up in my family, college was always an expectation. It was always assumed that I would go to college right after high school. Of course, I wanted to go, but I wasn’t optimistic about the career I wanted. So, while I worked hard in high school, I decided to go to community school until I was confident about what I wanted to do. Once I started my classes, I knew that teaching was the profession for me. I applied to a few different colleges and decided on Sacramento State University, known for a great teaching school. I enjoyed my time there and continued to work on my Master’s and Reading Specialist degrees.
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October - Dora Becerra
Going to college was always a main priority for me. My parents reminded me,very often, that they knew I was going to go to college and accomplish anything that I set both my mind and heart to. My heart has always been in serving my community, but I also enjoyed using my mind to do Math. I always knew that I wanted to give back to my community and continue to problem solve, but I didn’t know how to do both. I was lucky enough to have started my first job at the National Museum of Mexican Art as soon as I graduated from High School to be able to pay for college and for any other things that I needed. Working at the Museum motivated me even more to continue my journey of serving my community, and it helped me realize that I wanted to teach others and motivate others to pursue their dreams and to hold on to their passions. I knew that I wanted to teach, but I did not know what. When I first started college, I took into consideration my fascination for Math, so I started taking a lot of Math courses when I started my college career at Harold Washington Community College. I took both of my passions, Math and serving my community, and said “Why not teach Math in the city that I love the most, Chicago ” At that very moment, I knew that was my goal. I set my mind on this goal, and then I transferred to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) to continue my education in Education. Like I said at the beginning, I had all the support from my parents and other people around me, which was everything to me. Every week I continued to work, go to school, and learn. Learning is something that is continuing, and that I am grateful for. Finding support, learning about what I was interested in and being aware of what my passions were, while being resilient (able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions), were my keys for college and career readiness.
