Category: Truman College
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Irene Aleman
Prior to becoming the Wellness Center coordinator at Truman College, Irene Aleman provided mental health case management for marginalized communities in Chicago. That work propelled her interest in her current role, as the Wellness Center provides free mental health services and support for other basic needs to Truman College students. Irene is often the first…
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Vicenty Lucas Jackson
Vincenty Lucas Jackson is getting valuable experience for his future career before he even starts his first class at Truman College this fall. As a part of the STEAMbassadors program, the future early childhood education teacher spent the summer learning—and then teaching—digital animation. “For the first month of the summer, we were learning our materials,…
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Selina Badu
Selina Badu, Truman College’s 2023 salutatorian, was born and raised in Ghana, where she attended high school and served as a caretaker for her grandmother. That experience introduced Selina to the healthcare field and motivated her to pursue an education and future career in nursing. She came to Chicago in 2019 and started her college…
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Jelena Trkuljic
Jelena Trkuljic, Truman College’s 2023 valedictorian, moved from Serbia to Chicago when she was 19 years old, right after finishing high school in her home town of Aranđelovac. Knowing she wanted to continue her education, Jelena enrolled in free Adult Education courses at Truman College to prepare to earn her Illinois High School Diploma. From…
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Leslie Guzman
I was born in Mexico, and my mom crossed the border with us when I was just two years old to give us a better life. I often say that I’m who I am today because I grew up poor and humble. My life hasn’t been without challenges, but I have had opportunities and made…
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Charles Weaver
After graduating from high school, Charles Weaver took a few years off before making the decision to pursue a college degree. He enrolled at Truman College after recovering from a drug and alcohol addiction and was drawn to the college because of its convenient location, flexible class options, and strong psychology program. Charles is enjoying…
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Timothy Avant
Timothy Avant used to live five houses down from the Truman College campus. Now, he’s a student at the college, preparing to become an early childhood educator tuition-free with the support of two scholarships: the Men of Color in Education Initiative and the Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship (CELWS). The former Broadway actor knew he…
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Deynna Rey
Since Deynna Rey was a child growing up in Venezuela, she dreamed of going to college, but the expense made it feel out of reach. Through a combination of her own hard work and the encouragement she received from faculty and staff at City Colleges of Chicago, Deynna is on her way to a bachelor’s…
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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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Alvaro Mendieta
Alvaro Mendieta arrived to the United States from Ecuador eight years ago with limited English skills and big dreams. With his cousin’s encouragement, he enrolled in English as a Second Language classes at Truman College. He advanced through his courses and his English skills improved. When he was ready, Alvaro enrolled in the Gateway Scholars…