Category: Parents/Guardians/Caregivers
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Rosetta Sellers-Varela
Music has always been one of Rosetta Sellers-Varela’s passions—she’s a professional freelance musician with a degree in music. Now, she’s back in school focusing on her other passion: biological sciences. Rosetta’s love for science and her history with City Colleges of Chicago are both longstanding. She began her college journey studying biology at Western Illinois…
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Joi Harper
If you’ve spent any time at Malcolm X College, there’s a good chance you have met Josalyn Harper, also known as Joi. The name fits her well. Joi is the Student Government Association (SGA) President at Malcolm X College, and she’s known for her positive attitude and for always greeting students and staff with a…
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La’Quahn Washington
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, La’Quahn Washington saw it as a sign from the universe that it was time to change careers. She’d always been drawn to helping others, and La’Quahn began her career of service in the mental health field. She realized she could pursue her passion and help children at the same time…
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Juan Madrigal
My academic journey began when I was 19 years old. Upon graduating from high school, I was conflicted between attending college or entering the workforce, so I asked my parents for guidance. My parents migrated from Mexico and only had an elementary school education. They told me that high school was the best they could…
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Carolina Verdial
When Carolina Verdial first visited Wright College after moving to Chicago from the Honduras, she was looking for a college for her daughter. She didn’t know then that the trip would also turn into a career at the college. Previously a computer science teacher, Carolina felt at home in the education setting. She started working…
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Ashley Moncrief
Mother. Business owner. First-generation college student. And now, PepsiCo Foundation S.M.I.L.E scholar. City Colleges of Chicago alumna Ashley Moncrief has persevered to get to where she is today, and she’s not done yet. Ashley first became a City Colleges student while she was still in high school. Through the Early College Dual Enrollment program, she…
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Gaspar Sánchez
I was originally born in Mexico, and I started taking English as a Second Language classes at Truman College in 2004—18 years ago. Later, I enrolled in classes to prepare for my high school diploma. My journey to continue my education has been long and winding. I’ve worked multiple jobs, and I’ve raised kids. I’ve…
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Rafael Gamboa
Originally from Venezuela, Rafael Gamboa has wanted to live in Chicago since he was 12 years old. He streamed the WGN-TV channel on his television and spent years dreaming of a life in the city. As he grew up, he also developed an interest in mechatronics, a branch of engineering that combines electronics and mechanical…
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Felecia Tiney
During my adolescent years, I was forced to make sacrifices to prioritize the attention required to care for my family. I became a mom at a young age and dropped out of high school when I was 18. I had to overcome home insecurities and depression. But I never gave up. 25 years and 12…
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Bernice Agu
When I passed the math section of the GED, I remember screaming so loud that I scared my husband. I was just so excited about the opportunity to advance my education—and so thankful for the support I received from my Olive-Harvey College instructors along the way. My journey to the GED started when I moved…